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Network operator vs computer operator

The differences between network operators and computer 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 network operator and a computer operator. Additionally, a network operator has an average salary of $54,148, which is higher than the $42,722 average annual salary of a computer operator.

The top three skills for a network operator include switches, customer service and routers. The most important skills for a computer operator are CAD, customer service, and computer system.

Network operator vs computer operator overview

Network OperatorComputer Operator
Yearly salary$54,148$42,722
Hourly rate$26.03$20.54
Growth rate5%10%
Number of jobs51,66839,579
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a network operator do?

A Network Provider in an organization is the person who provides wired and wireless communication services that own or control the infrastructure that is important when it comes to selling and delivering services to mobile network operators, virtual network operators, and end-users. You will be required to monitor and troubleshoot communication and application-related tools, maintain the wireless network infrastructure, test and implement new products and services and plan and manage telecommunication services when large and complex projects are being carried out.

What does a computer operator do?

A computer operator is responsible for overseeing a network or group of computers, making sure that all systems are running smoothly and efficiently. A computer operator's duties may also revolve around troubleshooting and resolving issues on hardware and software, processing data, designing a particular and secure database, and suggesting system improvements when necessary. Furthermore, there must be an active line of communication and coordination with the other staff or management, as most of the work will revolve around a team setting.

Network operator vs computer operator salary

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

Network OperatorComputer Operator
Average salary$54,148$42,722
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $98,000Between $28,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityArlington, VANew York, NY
Highest paying stateVirginiaNew York
Best paying companyState StreetNTT Data International L.L.C.
Best paying industryGovernmentTechnology

Differences between network operator and computer operator education

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

Network OperatorComputer Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyStanford University

Network operator vs computer operator demographics

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

Network OperatorComputer Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 84.2% Female, 15.8%Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 9.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%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 Percentage9%10%

Differences between network operator and computer operator duties and responsibilities

Network operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage database development and recovery.
  • Plan, configure and install new desktop computers, achieving standardization for workstations.
  • Manage and support the mission-critical LAN product delivery cores to standards of capacity, availability and security.
  • Weekend maintenance of server services on NT network and level one desktop support, monitors token-ring network, routers, switches.
  • Automate manual employee processes with Linux shell scripting.
  • Used Linux operating system and software for operation and trouble shooting.
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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.
  • Show more

Network operator vs computer operator skills

Common network operator skills
  • Switches, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Routers, 5%
  • SolarWinds, 5%
  • NOC, 4%
  • Remedy, 4%
Common computer operator skills
  • CAD, 18%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Computer System, 9%
  • IBM Mainframe, 6%
  • Laser Printers, 4%
  • Unix, 4%

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