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Console operator vs data center operator

The differences between console operators and data center 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 console operator and a data center operator. Additionally, a data center operator has an average salary of $46,763, which is higher than the $43,202 average annual salary of a console operator.

The top three skills for a console operator include emergency situations, CCTV and telephone calls. The most important skills for a data center operator are customer service, infrastructure, and escalate.

Console operator vs data center operator overview

Console OperatorData Center Operator
Yearly salary$43,202$46,763
Hourly rate$20.77$22.48
Growth rate4%10%
Number of jobs30,104120,016
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a console operator do?

Console operators are responsible for controlling input and output devices used by computers in manufacturing and research units. They regularly monitor their company's systems to correct problems, remove bugs and viruses, and identify faults in the system. Their job includes teaching other or new employees to be familiar with using the system and how to avoid errors and system failure. Aside from having advanced computer skills, these operators must also have communications skills, teamwork, and work accuracy to work efficiently.

What does a data center operator do?

A data center operator is primarily in charge of making sure that a data center functions efficiently. Their job entails installing software or hardware systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting issues, fixing or replacing components, upgrading or updating systems, maintaining records, and producing progress reports as necessary. They are also in charge of monitoring the daily operations of the data center, developing and implementing data security protocols, and providing technical support to staff. Moreover, they may also train new data center workers and enforce company policies and guidelines.

Console operator vs data center operator salary

Console operators and data center operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Console OperatorData Center Operator
Average salary$43,202$46,763
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $58,000Between $29,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between console operator and data center operator education

There are a few differences between a console operator and a data center operator in terms of educational background:

Console OperatorData Center Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessComputer Science
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldStanford University

Console operator vs data center operator demographics

Here are the differences between console operators' and data center operators' demographics:

Console OperatorData Center Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 66.1% Female, 33.9%Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage10%10%

Differences between console operator and data center operator duties and responsibilities

Console operator example responsibilities.

  • Interpret and respond to system messages through use of JES2, MVS, SDSF and automate commands.
  • Work with CICS, DB2, and IMS relate issues on a nightly basis.
  • Ensure CICS and IMS online applications are available per the published SLA agreements.
  • Initiate bounce SNA VTAM CICS IMS online network regions system state manager operations.
  • Handle all aspects of printing charter report, bank statements, payroll, and special invoices
  • Input tape mounts using JES commands.
  • Show more

Data center operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage daily Tivoli problem reporting system.
  • Implement and manage a centralize hardware management and provisioning system.
  • Control system jobs running in CTM scheduler, assist with problem resolution of JCL, utility programs and/or hardware failures.
  • Enter commands, MVS, JES2, IMS and VMS.
  • Install and configure TCP/IP and troubleshoot network problems.
  • Utilize JES heavily to review job status, TSO for analysis.
  • Show more

Console operator vs data center operator skills

Common console operator skills
  • Emergency Situations, 12%
  • CCTV, 7%
  • Telephone Calls, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Computer System, 5%
  • Property Damage, 4%
Common data center operator skills
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Infrastructure, 7%
  • Escalate, 7%
  • Mainframe, 6%
  • Linux, 5%
  • Unix, 5%

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