How to hire a computer operator

How to hire a computer operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a computer operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a computer operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the computer operator you need to hire. Certain computer operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A computer operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, computer operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of computer operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Computer Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Operator	A Computer Operator is responsible for the technical operation of the computer system. They resolve user problems by answering questions and requests.	$13-30
   Computer Technician	Computer technicians are skilled information technology professionals who handle concerns related to computers. They are responsible for assisting clients in software installations, troubleshooting needs, and repair needs... Show more	$13-26
   Computer Programmer	A Computer Programmer is a specialist in writing computer programs as well as mobile applications. In addition to writing and testing code written, they are responsible for installing updates for software, debugging or improving functionality, troubleshooting parts of the program that is not functioning, and rewriting code for computer programs to be compatible in different operating systems... Show more	$26-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CAD
   • Customer Service
   • Computer System
   • IBM Mainframe
   • Laser Printers
   • Unix
   • PowerPoint
   • Computer Operations
   • Payroll Checks
   • Peripheral Equipment
   • Linux
   • Trouble Tickets
   • JCL
   • Computer Equipment

   Check all skills

   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.

   More computer operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the computer operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A computer operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a computer operator in Tennessee may be lower than in New York, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level computer operator. Additionally, a computer operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average computer operator salary

   $42,722yearly

   $20.54 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average computer operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$52,624	$25
   2	Pennsylvania	$48,584	$23
   3	Virginia	$48,146	$23
   4	Arizona	$47,198	$23
   5	Iowa	$47,116	$23
   6	Maryland	$46,493	$22
   7	Kansas	$46,180	$22
   8	California	$45,928	$22
   9	Colorado	$44,680	$21
   10	District of Columbia	$44,189	$21
   11	Illinois	$43,614	$21
   12	Ohio	$42,474	$20
   13	Wisconsin	$41,513	$20
   14	Michigan	$40,953	$20
   15	Indiana	$40,572	$20
   16	Georgia	$40,176	$19
   17	Utah	$39,900	$19
   18	Texas	$38,188	$18
   19	Oklahoma	$37,974	$18
   20	Missouri	$37,919	$18

   Average computer operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	NTT Data International L.L.C.	$89,301	$42.93	25
   2	Vishay	$64,182	$30.86	9
   3	DTCC	$60,491	$29.08
   4	Jacobs Engineering Group	$57,276	$27.54
   5	Pamten Inc	$54,787	$26.34
   6	One Brooklyn Health	$54,719	$26.31
   7	Ukpeagvik IOoOupiat Corporation	$54,530	$26.22	9
   8	Crest Industries	$54,076	$26.00
   9	Tutor Perini	$53,135	$25.55
   10	New Haven Register	$52,779	$25.37
   11	Food City	$52,479	$25.23	2
   12	Carnegie Mellon University	$50,987	$24.51	7
   13	Brown University	$50,383	$24.22	2
   14	BNY Mellon	$50,226	$24.15	6
   15	BD	$50,140	$24.11	2
   16	IDEX	$49,480	$23.79	6
   17	Salient CRGT	$49,115	$23.61
   18	Katmai Careers	$48,816	$23.47	2
   19	Mohawk Valley Health System	$48,723	$23.42
   20	ICONMA	$48,113	$23.13

4. Writing a computer operator job description

   A computer operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a computer operator job description:

   Computer operator job description example

   **Title:**
   
   Drafter/CAD Operator III
   
   Candidate will create/update Technical Data Packages and apply ASME, Technical Data Package, and/or military drawing standards, as needed. Candidate will be an integral part of the team creating/updating Technical Data Packages; being familiar with ASME standards, Technical Data Packages, and military drawing standards desired. Candidate will coordinate with the project manager and project technical lead for current assignments. Candidate will exercise independent judgment in selecting and interpreting drawing data based on knowledge of the design intent. Candidate may occasionally interpret general designs prepared by others to complete minor details.
   
   Candidate will prepare complete sets of complex drawings or computer models that include multiple views, detail drawings, and assembly drawings. Assignments may require the use of mathematical formulas to compute weights, center of gravity, load capacities, dimensions, and quantities of material. Candidate will:
   
   + work from sketches, computer models, and verbal information supplied by an engineer, architect, or designer to determine the most appropriate views, detail drawings, and supplementary information needed to complete assignments.
   
   + select required information from computer programs, and internet sites, precedents, manufacturer catalogs, and technical guides.
   
   + independently resolve most problems encountered, though technical personnel may suggest methods of approach or provide advice on unusually difficult problems.
   
   + prepare complete sets of drawings, including Level 3 drawings of test equipment to be manufactured from layouts, models, or sketches.
   
   + describe dimensions, tolerances, fits, fabrication techniques, and standard parts to use in manufacturing the equipment.
   
   + determines the arrangement and prepare drawings of printed circuit boards and other electronic components.
   
   Education: High school education or equivalent (GED) and three (3) years related experience.
   
   Required Experience: Experience in technical engineering drafting/illustrating in the electronics field. Experience with digital imaging techniques, CAD/CAM, and the maintenance and control of digital and hard copy documentation. Experience with DoD drafting processes and procedures.
   
   In compliance with the U.S. federal government's vaccine mandate, only candidates who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have a reasonable accommodation or approved medical exception will be considered for this position.
   
   KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right computer operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer operator job on Zippia to find and recruit computer operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with computer operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the computer operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new computer operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a computer operator?