Systems administrator vs computer operator

The differences between systems administrators 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 systems administrator and a computer operator. Additionally, a systems administrator has an average salary of $77,156, which is higher than the $42,722 average annual salary of a computer operator.

The top three skills for a systems administrator include linux, troubleshoot and windows server. The most important skills for a computer operator are CAD, customer service, and computer system.

Systems administrator vs computer operator overview

	Systems Administrator	Computer Operator
Yearly salary	$77,156	$42,722
Hourly rate	$37.09	$20.54
Growth rate	5%	10%
Number of jobs	134,500	39,579
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 60%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a systems administrator do?

Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.

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.

Systems administrator vs computer operator salary

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

	Systems Administrator	Computer Operator
Average salary	$77,156	$42,722
Salary range	Between $59,000 And $100,000	Between $28,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	California	New York
Best paying company	Meta	NTT Data International L.L.C.
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between systems administrator and computer operator education

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

	Systems Administrator	Computer Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 60%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Stanford University

Systems administrator vs computer operator demographics

Here are the differences between systems administrators' and computer operators' demographics:

	Systems Administrator	Computer Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%	Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 11.5% White, 62.2% 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 Percentage	9%	10%

Differences between systems administrator and computer operator duties and responsibilities

Systems administrator example responsibilities.

Used Jenkins to automate most of the build relate tasks.
Manage windows file servers, messaging, and SQL databases.
Lead the project which integrate internal DNS into the corporate LDAP infrastructure for end user host management prior to deployment.
Lead business-critical information security initiatives involving encryption of customer data.
Authore and maintain shell and Perl scripts to automate administration tasks for infrastructure management.
Configure & manage all switches and servers responsible for providing WLAN connectivity and authentication services.

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.

Systems administrator vs computer operator skills

Common systems administrator skills

Linux, 7%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Database, 5%
Technical Support, 4%
PowerShell, 3%

Common computer operator skills

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

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Systems Administrator
Systems Administrator vs Computer Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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