Console operator vs tape operator

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

Console operator vs tape operator overview

	Console Operator	Tape Operator
Yearly salary	$43,202	$60,356
Hourly rate	$20.77	$29.02
Growth rate	4%	10%
Number of jobs	30,104	26,204
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

Console operator vs tape operator salary

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

	Console Operator	Tape Operator
Average salary	$43,202	$60,356
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $58,000	Between $38,000 And $93,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between console operator and tape operator education

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

	Console Operator	Tape Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common major	Business	Photography
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Console operator vs tape operator demographics

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

	Console Operator	Tape Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 66.1% Female, 33.9%	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 console operator and tape 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.

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.

Console operator vs tape operator skills

Common console operator skills

Emergency Situations, 12%
CCTV, 7%
Telephone Calls, 6%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Computer System, 5%
Property Damage, 4%

Common tape operator skills

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