What is Co-Op?
A co-op is an organization that is owned and controlled by its members and that operates for the benefit of its members. In other words, co-ops are made up of people who have a specific need and are willing to work together to run and organize a business that meets those needs. The members of the co-op own, control and use the products and services of the cooperative.
How is Co-Op used?
Zippia reviewed thousands of resumes to understand how co-op is used in different jobs. Explore the list of common job responsibilities related to co-op below:
- Inventory Accounting Co-op Accurately analyze and process carrier claims and quality returns.
- Project Chrysler Canada Co-op program is executed in collaboration with Shift-Digital.
- Selected for highly competitive summer Co-op position prior to graduation.
- Preformed CO-OP duties including but not limited to site visitation, spare parts turn overs, Supplier set ups and purchases.
- Served as Co-op Work Tour Chair, organizing tours and briefings of IC agencies to promote inter-agency awareness and contacts.
- Create and update product-quotes spreadsheet for cost estimating department and work with other co-op participant to complete given tasks.
Are Co-Op skills in demand?
Yes, co-op skills are in demand today. Currently, 6,584 job openings list co-op skills as a requirement. The job descriptions that most frequently include co-op skills are co-owner/operator, operating system designer, and projector operator.
How hard is it to learn Co-Op?
Based on the average complexity level of the jobs that use co-op the most: co-owner/operator, operating system designer, and projector operator. The complexity level of these jobs is challenging.
On this page
What jobs can you get with Co-Op skills?
You can get a job as a co-owner/operator, operating system designer, and projector operator with co-op skills. After analyzing resumes and job postings, we identified these as the most common job titles for candidates with co-op skills.
Co-Owner/Operator
Job description:
A co-owner/operator is responsible for delivering goods and services for the companies using their trucks and vehicles. Co-owner/operators ensure timely merchandise deliveries, check the quantity and quality of the cargo, and follow routes accordingly. They also inspect vehicle conditions, identify any inconsistencies, and perform troubleshooting for malfunction for immediate repair or replacement of components to prevent deliveries delays. A co-owner/operator must have clean driving records, adhering to the road's safety regulations.
- Co-Op
- Patients
- Data Analysis
- PowerPoint
- Python
- C++
Operating System Designer
Job description:
OS Designers are responsible for creating and developing customized operating systems geared to cater to a specific task type. These tasks may range from business management to medical-related applications to government and military defense systems. An operating system is the foundation and soul of any computer-based program, so OS designers apply computer science and analysis to develop these operating systems for efficiency and functionality. A typical OS Designer earns an average of $47,865 per year.
- Co-Op
- CAD
- Design Process
- Autocad
- Adobe Creative Suite
Projector Operator
Job description:
Projector Operators require only a bachelor's or master's degree and sport an annual pay of around $42K. Those who choose this career path will need to have a broad skillset in operation monitoring and control, active listening, speaking, critical thinking, reading comprehension, time management, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and problem-solving.
- Project Management
- Co-Op
- Meeting Minutes
- SharePoint
- Process Improvement
- PMO
Planer Operator
Job description:
Planner operators are individuals tasked to set up and operate power-fed planer or facer machines to size and surface woodstock used in the production of furniture. The operators turn handwheels to make adjustments to table level, feed rolls, and pressure bars based on stock thickness and cut. They sharpen cutters on stone or abrasive wheel. Their duties may also include operating circular saw for Woodstock defect removal and signaling coworker to stop feeding stock into the planer upon jam occurrence.
- Co-Op
- Project Management
- Supply Chain
- Business Operations
- Logistics
- Data Analysis
Information Operator
Job description:
Information systems operators are information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for managing computer software and hardware systems that help organize and analyze data. These operators are required to create and maintain hardware or software inventory database while performing preventive maintenance on all computer systems. They must work with the IT management team to manage requests for acquisition and maintenance of software workstation requirements. Information systems operators must also manage an active directory of users so that they can grant permissions to users based on their profile.
- Co-Op
- Desktop
- Troubleshoot
- Linux
- Java
- Computer System
Student Engineer
Job description:
A student engineer is an individual who trains to become a full pledge professional engineer by gaining working experience in the field of engineering. By using their knowledge in the principles of science and mathematics, student engineers should help other professionals develop economical solutions and solve technical problems. They are required to engage themselves in the testing, production, or maintenance of newly developed products. Student engineers are also required to work closely with their senior managers or supervisors.
- GPA
- C++
- CAD
- Co-Op
- Java
- Python
Chemical Engineer
Job description:
A chemical engineer provides support for chemical operations and testing new processes. The processes they successfully come up with are used to make different products from gas, oil, food, and drink. It is their job to assist in designing new chemical processes and make improvements. They implement fresh ideas to improve standard quality and efficiency. They must be good planners and schedulers of project activities to help chemical technicians to achieve their project objectives and provide technical support to maintain safe, stable, and reliable operations.
- Chemistry
- Technical Support
- Co-Op
- Chemical Process
- Troubleshoot
- Project Management
How much can you earn with Co-Op skills?
You can earn up to $32,256 a year with co-op skills if you become a co-owner/operator, the highest-paying job that requires co-op skills. Operating system designers can earn the second-highest salary among jobs that use Python, $58,414 a year.
| Job title | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Owner/Operator | $32,256 | $16 |
| Operating System Designer | $58,414 | $28 |
| Projector Operator | $61,516 | $30 |
| Planer Operator | $46,309 | $22 |
| Information Operator | $50,840 | $24 |
Companies using Co-Op in 2025
The top companies that look for employees with co-op skills are Merck, CDM Smith, and Cintas. In the millions of job postings we reviewed, these companies mention co-op skills most frequently.
| Rank | Company | % of all skills | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merck | 19% | 1,759 |
| 2 | CDM Smith | 16% | 15,227 |
| 3 | Cintas | 10% | 2,372 |
| 4 | Johnson & Johnson | 6% | 1,591 |
| 5 | Land O'Lakes | 4% | 324 |
Departments using Co-Op
| Department | Average salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering | $87,024 |
| Finance | $85,181 |