1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
What is a Computer Systems Operator?
The average computer systems operator salary is $94,444. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an computer information systems major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become a computer systems operator. Computer systems operators with a Security 5 Certification certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 18,200 job opportunities across the U.S.
What Does a Computer Systems Operator Do
There are certain skills that many computer systems operators have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. By taking a look through resumes, we were able to narrow down the most common skills for a person in this position. We discovered that a lot of resumes listed analytical skills, communication skills and problem-solving skills.
How To Become a Computer Systems Operator
If you're interested in becoming a computer systems operator, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 43.9% of computer systems operators have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 4.0% of computer systems operators have master's degrees. Even though some computer systems operators have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Computer Systems Operator Career Paths
In addition to switching up your job search, it might prove helpful to look at a career path for your specific job. Now, what's a career path you ask? Well, it's practically a map that shows how you might advance from one job title to another. Our career paths are especially detailed with salary changes. So, for example, if you started out with the role of systems administrator you might progress to a role such as network engineer eventually. Later on in your career, you could end up with the title manager, systems engineering.
Computer Systems Operator
Manager, Systems Engineering
9 Years
Information Technology Operations Manager
9 Years
Infrastructure Project Manager
11 Years
Systems Manager
6 Years
Information Technology Infrastructure Manager
11 Years
Information Technology Technical Services Manager
9 Years
Show More
Average Salary for a Computer Systems Operator
Computer Systems Operators in America make an average salary of $94,444 per year or $45 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $160,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $55,000 per year.
Average Computer Systems Operator Salary
$94,444Â Yearly$45.41 hourly
What Am I Worth?
Roles and Types of Computer Systems Operator
There are several types of computer systems operator, including:
Administrator
Role:
As administrator, it is your job to support your team. Your goal is that the entire office runs smoothly. So you've got to do the best you can to provide whatever your team needs to be successful. If they need you to get a tattoo to improve their morale, then... We're kidding. Simply put, you'll be responsible for providing office and administrative support. What you get tattooed on your body is business. But the business you work for is counting on your team to get the job done, so you might look forward to duties such as taking phone calls, helping with visitors, creating spreadsheets, and presenting in meetings.
For the most part, you'll only need to work 40 hours each week. Although, some weeks may require a little more time from you. So, you just need to be flexible and roll with the punches. Sure, there's a lot of responsibility resting on your shoulders, but we believe in you.
For the most part, you'll only need to work 40 hours each week. Although, some weeks may require a little more time from you. So, you just need to be flexible and roll with the punches. Sure, there's a lot of responsibility resting on your shoulders, but we believe in you.
- Average Salary: $72,882
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Systems Administrator
Role:
Systems administrators are essential to most companies. So you could probably find a job almost anywhere. Which is great, especially if you're looking for a career with a lot of job opportunities. Of course, who's going to realistically turn down opportunity?
As a systems administrator, it's on your shoulders to keep the company servers up and working smoothly. Of course, there will be crashes you'll have to deal with. After all, that's why you're there in the first place.
When an employer looks for a systems administrator, they're usually looking for an individual who has a bachelor's degree. But that's not all. This isn't an entry-level position so you're going to need at least 3-5 years of experience under your belt as well. Once you get all of those checked off, you'll be well on your way to your dream career.
As a systems administrator, it's on your shoulders to keep the company servers up and working smoothly. Of course, there will be crashes you'll have to deal with. After all, that's why you're there in the first place.
When an employer looks for a systems administrator, they're usually looking for an individual who has a bachelor's degree. But that's not all. This isn't an entry-level position so you're going to need at least 3-5 years of experience under your belt as well. Once you get all of those checked off, you'll be well on your way to your dream career.
- Average Salary: $77,156
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Systems Engineer
Role:
If you're looking for a job that has a lot of job opportunities tied to it, look no further. Systems engineers are in full demand from all sorts of companies across multiple industries. Everyone needs an "I.T." person in their midst because it's no secret that very few actually know how to use technology.
Sure, most people may refer to you as the I.T. person, but your job is much more complicated than that. Of course, the majority of your time will be spent managing the I.T. services and solving any issues that present themselves, but you will have days that you'll have to recover important emails or divert a disaster.
The only thing stopping you from becoming a systems engineer is a bachelor's degree. Once you've got that under your belt, you'll be on your way to becoming a systems engineer. A really important aspect of being a systems engineer is having the communication skills necessary. The hardest part of your job will be "dumbing" down technology terms so that people can understand what's going on with the I.T. system. Once you get through that, the rest of your job will be easy peasy.
Sure, most people may refer to you as the I.T. person, but your job is much more complicated than that. Of course, the majority of your time will be spent managing the I.T. services and solving any issues that present themselves, but you will have days that you'll have to recover important emails or divert a disaster.
The only thing stopping you from becoming a systems engineer is a bachelor's degree. Once you've got that under your belt, you'll be on your way to becoming a systems engineer. A really important aspect of being a systems engineer is having the communication skills necessary. The hardest part of your job will be "dumbing" down technology terms so that people can understand what's going on with the I.T. system. Once you get through that, the rest of your job will be easy peasy.
- Average Salary: $82,834
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree
States With The Most Computer Systems Operator Jobs
Number Of Computer Systems Operator Jobs By State
| Rank | State | Number of Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 2,481 | $80,952 |
| 2 | Florida | 1,845 | $63,940 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 1,605 | $91,172 |
| 4 | New Jersey | 1,588 | $91,012 |
| 5 | New York | 1,339 | $98,524 |
| 6 | California | 1,216 | $105,682 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 1,198 | $88,186 |
| 8 | Illinois | 1,094 | $71,775 |
| 9 | North Carolina | 1,026 | $77,715 |
| 10 | Georgia | 973 | $69,986 |
| 11 | Ohio | 967 | $73,061 |
| 12 | Washington | 951 | $62,435 |
| 13 | Virginia | 893 | $86,906 |
| 14 | Michigan | 858 | $73,935 |
| 15 | Maryland | 853 | $96,517 |
| 16 | Arizona | 826 | $89,279 |
| 17 | Minnesota | 705 | $61,636 |
| 18 | Missouri | 554 | $68,293 |
| 19 | Oregon | 535 | $72,711 |
| 20 | Indiana | 513 | $63,022 |
| 21 | Tennessee | 492 | $63,183 |
| 22 | Wisconsin | 488 | $66,196 |
| 23 | South Carolina | 436 | $62,297 |
| 24 | Connecticut | 403 | $84,304 |
| 25 | Iowa | 367 | $60,175 |
| 26 | Colorado | 340 | $70,436 |
| 27 | New Mexico | 315 | $70,089 |
| 28 | Rhode Island | 307 | $85,362 |
| 29 | Kansas | 306 | $67,185 |
| 30 | Oklahoma | 276 | $70,669 |
| 31 | Nebraska | 256 | $65,800 |
| 32 | Kentucky | 254 | $67,476 |
| 33 | New Hampshire | 249 | $70,573 |
| 34 | Mississippi | 243 | $67,914 |
| 35 | Nevada | 235 | $87,863 |
| 36 | Louisiana | 233 | $70,926 |
| 37 | Alaska | 230 | $42,537 |
| 38 | Alabama | 211 | $74,810 |
| 39 | Arkansas | 210 | $72,056 |
| 40 | Idaho | 203 | $64,958 |
| 41 | Hawaii | 181 | $85,049 |
| 42 | Utah | 178 | $74,931 |
| 43 | Delaware | 145 | $90,838 |
| 44 | West Virginia | 142 | $72,780 |
| 45 | North Dakota | 142 | $47,566 |
| 46 | Montana | 139 | $46,534 |
| 47 | South Dakota | 138 | $60,269 |
| 48 | Maine | 137 | $58,954 |
| 49 | Vermont | 117 | $64,679 |
| 50 | Wyoming | 112 | $65,574 |
Top Colleges for Computer Systems Operators
2. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-State Tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-State Tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
4. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
5. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,309
Enrollment
9,142
6. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
7. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
8. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-State Tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
9. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA • Private
In-State Tuition
$50,530
Enrollment
4,571
Top Skills For a Computer Systems Operator
The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 7.8% of computer systems operators listed switches on their resume, but soft skills such as analytical skills and communication skills are important as well.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Computer Systems Operator Resume templates
Zippia allows you to choose from different easy-to-use Computer Systems Operator templates, and provides you with expert advice. Using the templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your Computer Systems Operator resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.
Computer Systems Operator Demographics
Computer Systems Operator Gender Distribution
Male
74%
Female
26%
After extensive research and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
- Among computer systems operators, 26.4% of them are women, while 73.6% are men.
- The most common race/ethnicity among computer systems operators is White, which makes up 64.0% of all computer systems operators.
- The most common foreign language among computer systems operators is Spanish at 40.0%.
Online Courses For Computer Systems Operator That You May Like
Advertising Disclosure Â
1. Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
If you're ready to enter the world of Information Technology (IT), you need job-ready skills. This course enables you to develop the skills to work with computer hardware and operating systems, and is your first step to prepare for all types of tech related careers that require IT Fundamental skills. First, learn about the essential software brain of a computer—its operating system software when you explore Microsoft Windows. Next, discover internal key hardware computer components, including...
See More on Coursera2. Computer Security and Systems Management
The Computer Security and Systems Management Specialization focuses on computing in an enterprise environment. Combining both theory and real world experience and architecture, the courses will prepare you to design and audit secure enterprise systems. The courses will cover practical use of major server operating systems in an enterprise environment and how to design and operate them securely...
See More on Coursera3. Introduction to Computer Information Systems
This Specialization is intended for anyone seeking to learn basic computer skills. Through 3 courses, you will study computer hardware, software, and data safety. You will also learn about digital literacy and productivity tools. These courses will prepare you for a number of jobs within the field of computer information systems...
See More on CourseraJob type you want
Full Time
Part Time
Internship
Temporary
How Do Computer Systems Operator Rate Their Jobs?
Top Computer Systems Operator Employers
Most Common Employers For Computer Systems Operator
| Rank | Company | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IBM | $153,697 | $73.89 | 8 |
| 2 | Yahoo | $144,229 | $69.34 | 6 |
| 3 | Chevron | $129,838 | $62.42 | 2 |
| 4 | SAIC | $127,483 | $61.29 | 7 |
| 5 | Unisys | $123,863 | $59.55 | 2 |
| 6 | DXC Technology | $111,449 | $53.58 | 8 |
| 7 | Motorola Solutions | $108,509 | $52.17 | 10 |
| 8 | Northrop Grumman | $104,915 | $50.44 | 3 |
| 9 | Caterpillar | $100,982 | $48.55 | 2 |
| 10 | Walmart | $89,161 | $42.87 | 4 |