Systems operator vs computer operator

The differences between systems 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 systems operator and a computer operator. Additionally, a computer operator has an average salary of $42,722, which is higher than the $38,182 average annual salary of a systems operator.

The top three skills for a systems operator include computer system, management system and combat. The most important skills for a computer operator are CAD, customer service, and computer system.

Systems operator vs computer operator overview

	Systems Operator	Computer Operator
Yearly salary	$38,182	$42,722
Hourly rate	$18.36	$20.54
Growth rate	5%	10%
Number of jobs	91,037	39,579
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a systems operator do?

Systems operators often act as the front liners whose primary job is to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity service to consumers and businesses. They are responsible for overseeing and managing the power grid and controlling electricity flow through transmission lines. Other duties and responsibilities of systems operators include monitoring and operating current converters, observing circuit breakers and voltage transformers, and anticipating the changing needs for power due to weather. They are also responsible for communicating with key stakeholders such as power plant operators to route energy to consumers.

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 operator vs computer operator salary

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

	Systems Operator	Computer Operator
Average salary	$38,182	$42,722
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $51,000	Between $28,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	San Diego, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	California	New York
Best paying company	DC Water	NTT Data International L.L.C.
Best paying industry	Finance	Technology

Differences between systems operator and computer operator education

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

	Systems Operator	Computer Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Business	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Systems operator vs computer operator demographics

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

	Systems Operator	Computer Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%	Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.5% 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 operator and computer operator duties and responsibilities

Systems operator example responsibilities.

Manage SMS and TCP/IP protocol.
Perform and manage routine building maintenance tasks, including carpentry, plumbing, and HVAC repair and maintenance.
Manage tactical high-speed data network (THSDN), internet subscriber IP addresses, and switch caller profiles.
Manage print production, registration and logistics for several high-profile events, annual fund solicitations and annual telephone campaign.
Create and modify new user accounts in accordance with local and DOD policies and procedures.
Provide technical support for full setup, debug the problems of OSPF, switching and HSRP.

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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.

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Systems operator vs computer operator skills

Common systems operator skills

Computer System, 13%
Management System, 11%
Combat, 11%
Switches, 10%
Situational Awareness, 9%
Lan, 7%

Common computer operator skills

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

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Updated January 8, 2025

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