Computer operator vs operator

The differences between computer operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer operator, becoming an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer operator has an average salary of $42,722, which is higher than the $37,928 average annual salary of an operator.

The top three skills for a computer operator include CAD, customer service and computer system. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.

Computer operator vs operator overview

	Computer Operator	Operator
Yearly salary	$42,722	$37,928
Hourly rate	$20.54	$18.23
Growth rate	10%	7%
Number of jobs	39,579	159,077
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	4

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 an operator do?

Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.

Computer operator vs operator salary

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

	Computer Operator	Operator
Average salary	$42,722	$37,928
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $63,000	Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	New York	North Dakota
Best paying company	NTT Data International L.L.C.	Microsoft
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between computer operator and operator education

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

	Computer Operator	Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	-

Computer operator vs operator demographics

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

	Computer Operator	Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%	Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0%
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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	10%	4%

Differences between computer operator and 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.

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Operator example responsibilities.

Assist in developing the company s short and long term training plans and managing yearly ammunition allocation.
Assist and manage the extrusion process of polyester raw material in pellet or chip form to produce finish rolls of plastic.
Manage day-to-day transportation and logistics services for multinational account base.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Job require basic math skills: fractions and decimals.
Ensure safety of all equipment during production in compliance with strict OSHA and safety regulations.

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Computer operator vs operator skills

Common computer operator skills

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

Common operator skills

Safety Procedures, 15%
CDL, 6%
Emergency Calls, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Quality Checks, 4%
Dozer, 4%

Computer Operator vs. similar jobs

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Updated January 8, 2025

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