Computer operator vs data center operator

The differences between computer operators and data center 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 data center operator. Additionally, a data center operator has an average salary of $46,763, 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 data center operator are customer service, infrastructure, and escalate.

Computer operator vs data center operator overview

	Computer Operator	Data Center Operator
Yearly salary	$42,722	$46,763
Hourly rate	$20.54	$22.48
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	39,579	120,016
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a computer operator do?

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.

What does a data center operator do?

A data center operator is primarily in charge of making sure that a data center functions efficiently. Their job entails installing software or hardware systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting issues, fixing or replacing components, upgrading or updating systems, maintaining records, and producing progress reports as necessary. They are also in charge of monitoring the daily operations of the data center, developing and implementing data security protocols, and providing technical support to staff. Moreover, they may also train new data center workers and enforce company policies and guidelines.

Computer operator vs data center operator salary

Computer operators and data center operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Operator	Data Center Operator
Average salary	$42,722	$46,763
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $63,000	Between $29,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	-
Highest paying state	New York	-
Best paying company	NTT Data International L.L.C.	-
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between computer operator and data center operator education

There are a few differences between a computer operator and a data center operator in terms of educational background:

	Computer Operator	Data Center Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Computer operator vs data center operator demographics

Here are the differences between computer operators' and data center operators' demographics:

	Computer Operator	Data Center Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%	Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7%
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%

Differences between computer operator and data center operator duties and responsibilities

Computer operator example responsibilities.

Manage and control administration on DoD local, and wide area networks.
Manage peripheral operations of BARR systems (PC base RJE workstations), storage devices, and Litton laser printers.
Manage certificate revocation list, update expired certificates, ensuring DMS availability.
Manage multi-person team providing operational and investigative support to USAF and DoD counterparts.
Perform operator tasks, troubleshoot IMS, hardware, and system problems.
Serve in computer operations in supporting mainframe MVS, TPF, and VM operating systems.

Data center operator example responsibilities.

Manage daily Tivoli problem reporting system.
Implement and manage a centralize hardware management and provisioning system.
Control system jobs running in CTM scheduler, assist with problem resolution of JCL, utility programs and/or hardware failures.
Enter commands, MVS, JES2, IMS and VMS.
Install and configure TCP/IP and troubleshoot network problems.
Utilize JES heavily to review job status, TSO for analysis.

Computer operator vs data center operator skills

Common computer operator skills

CAD, 18%
Customer Service, 10%
Computer System, 9%
IBM Mainframe, 6%
Laser Printers, 4%
Unix, 4%

Common data center operator skills

Customer Service, 12%
Infrastructure, 7%
Escalate, 7%
Mainframe, 6%
Linux, 5%
Unix, 5%

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Computer Operator
Computer Operator vs Data Center Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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