Computer operator vs tape operator

The differences between computer operators and tape 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 tape operator. Additionally, a tape operator has an average salary of $60,356, 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 tape operator are tape library, troubleshoot, and mainframe.

Computer operator vs tape operator overview

	Computer Operator	Tape Operator
Yearly salary	$42,722	$60,356
Hourly rate	$20.54	$29.02
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	39,579	26,204
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

Computer operator vs tape operator salary

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

	Computer Operator	Tape Operator
Average salary	$42,722	$60,356
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $63,000	Between $38,000 And $93,000
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 tape operator education

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

	Computer Operator	Tape Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common major	Computer Science	Photography
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Computer operator vs tape operator demographics

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

	Computer Operator	Tape Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%	Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1%
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 tape 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.

Tape operator example responsibilities.

Create large quantities of VHS dubs from master tapes both digital & analog formats.
Duplicate tapes into D2 , 1", 3/4"and 1/2"formats.
Operate all standard def machines and exposure to high def machines (D5, HDCAM, DVCPRO HD).
Respond to console and ATL messages.
key punch data using key to disk system
Experience with DVD authoring and mass duplication.

Computer operator vs tape operator skills

Common computer operator skills

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

Common tape operator skills

Tape Library, 23%
Troubleshoot, 16%
Mainframe, 5%
Unix, 4%
QC, 4%
Disk, 4%