Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between computer operators and program assistants 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 a program assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a computer operator has an average salary of $42,722, which is higher than the $35,193 average annual salary of a program assistant.
The top three skills for a computer operator include CAD, customer service and computer system. The most important skills for a program assistant are patients, customer service, and data entry.
| Computer Operator | Program Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $42,722 | $35,193 |
| Hourly rate | $20.54 | $16.92 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 39,579 | 96,901 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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.
Program assistants are usually entry-level or junior employees assigned to a department that handles a specific program in the organization. They assist the team they are assigned to in the implementation of the programs. They usually take care of administrative or clerical activities while also getting exposure to actual program management. Program assistants get trained to handle agendas from inception, to sourcing, to implementation, to evaluation. They may also handle documentary support for business cases or other presentation materials that the team may need for a specific part of the program management cycle.
Computer operators and program assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Operator | Program Assistant | |
| Average salary | $42,722 | $35,193 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $63,000 | Between $27,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | NTT Data International L.L.C. | The Aspen Institute |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Government |
There are a few differences between a computer operator and a program assistant in terms of educational background:
| Computer Operator | Program Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between computer operators' and program assistants' demographics:
| Computer Operator | Program Assistant | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0% | Male, 24.8% Female, 75.2% |
| 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, 13.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 6.7% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 11% |