Desktop operator vs computer operator

The differences between desktop operators and computer operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a desktop operator, becoming a computer operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a desktop operator has an average salary of $51,191, which is higher than the $42,722 average annual salary of a computer operator.

The top three skills for a desktop operator include adobe photoshop, mac and adobe indesign. The most important skills for a computer operator are CAD, customer service, and computer system.

Desktop operator vs computer operator overview

	Desktop Operator	Computer Operator
Yearly salary	$51,191	$42,722
Hourly rate	$24.61	$20.54
Growth rate	-14%	10%
Number of jobs	28,886	39,579
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	12	2

Desktop operator vs computer operator salary

Desktop operators and computer operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Desktop Operator	Computer Operator
Average salary	$51,191	$42,722
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $71,000	Between $28,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	New York, NY
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	NTT Data International L.L.C.
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between desktop operator and computer operator education

There are a few differences between a desktop operator and a computer operator in terms of educational background:

	Desktop Operator	Computer Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Graphic Design	Computer Science
Most common college	University of Texas at Austin	Stanford University

Desktop operator vs computer operator demographics

Here are the differences between desktop operators' and computer operators' demographics:

	Desktop Operator	Computer Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 61.2% Female, 38.8%	Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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	7%	10%

Differences between desktop operator and computer operator duties and responsibilities

Desktop operator example responsibilities.

Lead a cross discipline team to develop a new SERB database for Westlaw.
Create cover reprints using QuarkXpress.
Install, configure and support PC hardware and software.
Assemble pages in QuarkXpress 3.1 and impose in INposition 1.5.
Create new mass produce documents from inception to production through digital typesetting, proofing and testing.
Operate Macintosh computer for typesetting, color separations and scanning photographs, negatives, slides, color and black/white artwork.

Computer operator example responsibilities.

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.

Desktop operator vs computer operator skills

Common desktop operator skills

Adobe Photoshop, 14%
Mac, 14%
Adobe Indesign, 9%
Quark, 8%
PC, 8%
Color Correction, 6%

Common computer operator skills

CAD, 18%
Customer Service, 10%
Computer System, 9%
IBM Mainframe, 6%
Laser Printers, 4%
Unix, 4%