Post Job

What is a data center operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

A data center operator is the powerhouse of a cost-effective data center, a facility that is dedicated to the arrangement, processing, storage, and distribution of data. Companies and other organizations utilize these data centers to improve their business output and profitability.

The main role of data center operators is to make sure that the facility's mainframes and large computers are properly and efficiently functioning. They address system issues and mitigate risks of downtime, ensuring that security measures are in place. They also do manual work to fix problematic equipment.

With the technical and detailed work, the data center operator should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They should be able to multitask and competently perform their duties under pressure. They may work on flexible schedules or in shifts because data centers operate round-the-clock.

Aspiring data center operators need at least an associate's degree in information technology, computer science, or systems analysis. Familiarity with TCP/IP and Active Directory is also a requirement.

ScoreData Center OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $46,763

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.0

Growth Rate 10%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.57%

Asian 12.32%

Black or African American 8.59%

Hispanic or Latino 9.87%

Unknown 4.90%

White 63.75%

Gender

female 19.68%

male 80.32%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
5.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.2

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Newest jobs for Data Center Operator in Ashburn, VA

Receive alerts for the newest job postings.

Data Center Operator career paths

Key steps to become a data center operator

  1. Explore data center operator education requirements

    Most common data center operator degrees

    Bachelor's

    48.6 %

    Associate

    28.9 %

    High School Diploma

    11.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific data center operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service11.85%
    Infrastructure6.92%
    Escalate6.59%
    Mainframe5.92%
    Linux4.85%
  3. Complete relevant data center operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New data center operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a data center operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real data center operator resumes.
  4. Research data center operator duties and 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.
  5. Prepare your data center operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your data center operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a data center operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Data Center Operator Resume templates

    Build a professional Data Center Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Data Center Operator resume.
    Data Center Operator Resume
    Data Center Operator Resume
    Data Center Operator Resume
    Data Center Operator Resume
    Data Center Operator Resume
    Data Center Operator Resume
    Data Center Operator Resume
    Data Center Operator Resume
    Data Center Operator Resume
  6. Apply for data center operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a data center operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Data Center Operator Job

Zippi

Are you a Data Center Operator?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average data center operator salary

The average Data Center Operator salary in the United States is $46,763 per year or $22 per hour. Data center operator salaries range between $29,000 and $74,000 per year.

Average Data Center Operator Salary
$46,763 Yearly
$22.48 hourly

What Am I Worth?

salary-calculator

How do data center operators rate their job?

Working as a Data Center Operator? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse office and administrative jobs