How To Become An Information Systems Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is an information systems operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Professor David Sanford

The average information systems operator salary is $47,650. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an computer information systems major. It usually takes 6-12 months of experience to become an information systems operator. Information systems operators with a Information Systems Professional (ISP) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -7% and produce -8,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to an information systems operator?

Professor David Sanford

Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB), Northwood University

Workers like that they are challenged to solve problems and lead technological innovations.
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like

Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.

In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.

ScoreInformation Systems OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.7

Avg. Salary $47,650

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate -7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.63%

Asian 1.84%

Black or African American 7.68%

Hispanic or Latino 12.48%

Unknown 4.57%

White 70.79%

Gender

female 27.37%

male 72.63%

Age - 47.5

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 - 47.5

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.2

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an information systems operator

Explore information systems operator education requirements

Most common information systems operator degrees

Bachelor's

45.2 %

Associate

32.2 %

High School Diploma

12.4 %

Start to develop specific information systems operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Troubleshoot	10.84%
Switches	6.41%
Computer Programs	6.22%
Peripheral Equipment	5.57%
Unix	4.95%

Complete relevant information systems operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information systems 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 an information systems operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information systems operator resumes.

Gain additional information systems operator certifications

Information systems operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific information systems operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for information systems operators include Information Systems Professional (ISP) and Information System Analyst (ISA).

More About Certifications

Research information systems operator duties and responsibilities

Manage district wide administrative systems including student and ERP systems that are used by parents, students and staff.
Manage and maintain the LAN, which also include monitoring of network activity, management of user accounts and daily backups.
Manage network infrastructure spanning multiple geographically-distribute sites, including VPN / remote access systems and firewalls.
Operate, install, and perform strapping, re-strapping, PMCS, and unit level maintenance on COMSEC devices.

Prepare your information systems operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information systems 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 an information systems 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 information systems operator resume templates

Build a professional information systems 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 information systems operator resume.