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.
Computer operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer operator resumes:
- 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.
- Provide computer operations support functions for a heterogeneous UNIX base client-server environment.
- Perform backups and AS/400 batch job processing.
- Implement, interpret COMSEC directives and policy.
- Handle I/O, answer phones, monitor systems.
- Escalate and track system problems and errors as necessary.
- Campaign and time zone switches and selective data searches.
- Record, QA, and generate reports for Medicaid billing purpose.
- Used solaris to monitor backup jobs and perform file and directory restores
- Assist with application and database updates when OS support are needed.
Computer operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Computer Operators are proficient in CAD, Customer Service, and Computer System. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Speaking skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CAD, 18%
Assist with documenting and removing duplicate information within the Plant Operations CAD data both electronically and physically.
- Customer Service, 10%
Maintained Remedy Honeywell customer service ticketing help desk functions taking user calls and resolving application software issues and documenting ticket escalation.
- Computer System, 9%
Entered all applicable data into company computer system, operated a variety of office machines and performed numerous clerical/administrative duties.
- IBM Mainframe, 6%
Operated and maintained IBM mainframe computer systems, communications equipment, and personal computers in a secured facility.
- Laser Printers, 4%
Analyzed and evaluated competitor laser printer prior to renewing contract with current provider.
- Unix, 4%
Provided computer operations support functions for a heterogeneous UNIX based client-server environment.
Most computer operators use their skills in "cad," "customer service," and "computer system" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer operator responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer operator to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what computer operators do because "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." Additionally, a computer operator resume shows how computer operators use customer-service skills: "monitored four lpars on 3090/600j mainframe and worked with ibm as/400's to ensure smooth operation for customers. "
Listening skills. Another essential skill to perform computer operator duties is listening skills. Computer operators responsibilities require that "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation." Computer operators also use listening skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "communicated critical information to support operators for troubleshooting and resolution of system problems. "
Speaking skills. computer operators are also known for speaking skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to computer operator responsibilities, because "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." A computer operator resume example shows how speaking skills is used in the workplace: "monitored consoles, responded to system messages and addressed hardware and jcl issues. "
Writing skills. computer operator responsibilities often require "writing skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions." This resume example shows what computer operators do with writing skills on a typical day: "assisted and created flex jcl writing. "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for computer operator responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of computer operators all the time, as "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." An excerpt from a real computer operator resume shows how this skill is central to what a computer operator does: "monitored the computer and telecommunications systems, solved system problems, and implemented new procedures. "
The three companies that hire the most computer operators are:
- CBRE Group217 computer operators jobs
- Kimley-Horn29 computer operators jobs
- IGT14 computer operators jobs
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Compare different computer operators
Computer operator vs. Computer processing scheduler
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. Computer technicians handle the maintenance and repair of both software and hardware of computers. They should be able to quickly pinpoint the causes of computer problems that the client encounters. They should also be able to answer the clients' computer-related inquiries and provide advice on proper computer handling. Computer technicians should have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between computer operators and computer processing scheduler. For instance, computer operator responsibilities require skills such as "cad," "ibm mainframe," "laser printers," and "unix." Whereas a computer processing scheduler is skilled in "production schedules," "scheduling appointments," "outbound calls," and "troubleshoot." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that computer processing schedulers earn slightly differ from computer operators. In particular, computer processing schedulers are 3.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a computer operator. Additionally, they're 1.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer operator vs. Data processing operator
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. They also work to prevent data leaks and breaches in security by identifying malicious software and building firewalls.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real computer operator resumes. While computer operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "cad," "customer service," "ibm mainframe," and "computer operations," data processing operators use skills like "data processing," "payroll," "customer transactions," and "windows."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Data processing operators tend to reach similar levels of education than computer operators. In fact, they're 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer operator vs. Computer technician
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a computer operator is likely to be skilled in "cad," "ibm mainframe," "laser printers," and "computer operations," while a typical computer technician is skilled in "network printers," "technical support," "laptop computers," and "mac."
Computer technicians earn the best pay in the government industry, where they command an average salary of $48,277. Computer operators earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $44,432.Most computer technicians achieve a similar degree level compared to computer operators. For example, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer operator vs. Computer programmer
Even though a few skill sets overlap between computer operators and computer programmers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a computer operator might have more use for skills like "customer service," "ibm mainframe," "laser printers," and "powerpoint." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of computer programmers require skills like "c #," "java," "javascript," and "object oriented programming. "
Computer programmers enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $75,553. For comparison, computer operators earn the highest salary in the technology industry.The average resume of computer programmers showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to computer operators. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 6.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.3%.Types of computer operator
Updated January 8, 2025
