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The differences between computer operators and console operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a computer operator and a console operator. Additionally, a console operator has an average salary of $43,202, which is higher than the $42,722 average annual salary of a computer operator.
The top three skills for a computer operator include CAD, customer service and computer system. The most important skills for a console operator are emergency situations, CCTV, and telephone calls.
| Computer Operator | Console Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,722 | $43,202 |
| Hourly rate | $20.54 | $20.77 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 39,579 | 30,104 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 37% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A computer operator is responsible for overseeing a network or group of computers, making sure that all systems are running smoothly and efficiently. A computer operator's duties may also revolve around troubleshooting and resolving issues on hardware and software, processing data, designing a particular and secure database, and suggesting system improvements when necessary. Furthermore, there must be an active line of communication and coordination with the other staff or management, as most of the work will revolve around a team setting.
Console operators are responsible for controlling input and output devices used by computers in manufacturing and research units. They regularly monitor their company's systems to correct problems, remove bugs and viruses, and identify faults in the system. Their job includes teaching other or new employees to be familiar with using the system and how to avoid errors and system failure. Aside from having advanced computer skills, these operators must also have communications skills, teamwork, and work accuracy to work efficiently.
Computer operators and console operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Operator | Console Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,722 | $43,202 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $63,000 | Between $31,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | - |
| Highest paying state | New York | - |
| Best paying company | NTT Data International L.L.C. | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a computer operator and a console operator in terms of educational background:
| Computer Operator | Console Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Bakersfield |
Here are the differences between computer operators' and console operators' demographics:
| Computer Operator | Console Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0% | Male, 66.1% Female, 33.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 12.3% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 12.3% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |