Computer operator vs senior operator

The differences between computer operators and senior 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 a senior operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior operator has an average salary of $85,677, 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 operator are safety procedures, math, and powerpoint.

Computer operator vs senior operator overview

	Computer Operator	Senior Operator
Yearly salary	$42,722	$85,677
Hourly rate	$20.54	$41.19
Growth rate	10%	7%
Number of jobs	39,579	45,548
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
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 a senior operator do?

Senior Operators are responsible for managing the operations and maintenance of all plants and facilities. Their duties include troubleshooting issues using root-cause analysis, carrying out testing and quality checks, assisting the lead operator in coordinating maintenance activities as well as ensuring plant and facilities condition and performance adhere to mandatory legal regulations. Senior Operators are responsible for writing daily updates for the lead operator and help human resources in conducting staff skills training.

Computer operator vs senior operator salary

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

	Computer Operator	Senior Operator
Average salary	$42,722	$85,677
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $63,000	Between $54,000 And $135,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	New York	Massachusetts
Best paying company	NTT Data International L.L.C.	Google
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between computer operator and senior operator education

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

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

Computer operator vs senior operator demographics

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

	Computer Operator	Senior Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%	Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%
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, 17.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 2.6% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	10%	4%

Differences between computer operator and senior 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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Senior operator example responsibilities.

Measure and inspect parts with calipers, scale, MRP, leads, micrometers and taper.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Operate QC testing equipment such as calipers and micrometers.
Experience with MVS and JES2 command sets, the weekly shutdown and initial power load of production systems.
Assist in migration to the LAN environment, perform quality control and JCL setup and interface with user and vendor communities.
Train with TSO, JES2, and UCC7.

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Computer operator vs senior operator skills

Common computer operator skills

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

Common senior operator skills

Safety Procedures, 17%
Math, 8%
PowerPoint, 7%
Windows, 5%
Logistics, 5%
CDL, 5%

Computer Operator vs. similar jobs

Computer Operator related careers

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Updated January 8, 2025

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