Computer operator vs senior computer operator

The differences between computer operators and senior computer 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 senior computer operator. Additionally, a senior computer operator has an average salary of $46,082, 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 senior computer operator are customer service, ibm mainframe, and computer system.

Computer operator vs senior computer operator overview

	Computer Operator	Senior Computer Operator
Yearly salary	$42,722	$46,082
Hourly rate	$20.54	$22.15
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	39,579	39,193
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Associate Degree, 42%
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 senior computer operator do?

A Senior Computer Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring computer systems and related equipment, such as mainframes, mini computers, and others. They observe machine operations and make adjustments as necessary.

Computer operator vs senior computer operator salary

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

	Computer Operator	Senior Computer Operator
Average salary	$42,722	$46,082
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $63,000	Between $34,000 And $61,000
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 senior computer operator education

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

	Computer Operator	Senior Computer Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Associate Degree, 42%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Computer operator vs senior computer operator demographics

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

	Computer Operator	Senior Computer Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%	Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7%
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 senior computer 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.

Senior computer operator example responsibilities.

Utilize IBM AIX systems to manage print and file transfers ques.
Provide backup support for team leader, manage and schedule daily print via JES2, ZEKE and NetView.
Manage peripheral operations of BARR systems (PC base RJE workstations), storage devices, and Litton laser printers.
Used TSO, JES, MVS to update, delete, add data sets and run reports.
Liaise with clients to resolve LAN local circuit issues.
Update & maintain existing PCB footprints to improve manufacturability.

Computer operator vs senior computer operator skills

Common computer operator skills

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

Common senior computer operator skills

Customer Service, 10%
IBM Mainframe, 9%
Computer System, 7%
CAD, 6%
Unix, 5%
IPL, 4%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Computer Operator
Computer Operator vs Senior Computer Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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