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The differences between systems operators and systems integrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a systems operator, becoming a systems integrator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems integrator has an average salary of $102,867, 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 systems integrator are architecture, troubleshoot, and project management.
| Systems Operator | Systems Integrator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,182 | $102,867 |
| Hourly rate | $18.36 | $49.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 91,037 | 98,466 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
In the information technology (IT) industry, a systems integrator specializes in designing and developing computing systems using a variety of software, hardware, and other subsystems. To carry out their duties, they must communicate with clients to identify their IT needs and preferences, perform research and analysis to determine the ideal IT practices, troubleshoot issues, liaise with subsystem vendors, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Moreover, a systems integrator typically works with a team of IT specialists and engineers, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Systems operators and systems integrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Operator | Systems Integrator | |
| Average salary | $38,182 | $102,867 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $51,000 | Between $76,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Diego, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | DC Water | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Retail |
There are a few differences between a systems operator and a systems integrator in terms of educational background:
| Systems Operator | Systems Integrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems operators' and systems integrators' demographics:
| Systems Operator | Systems Integrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8% | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% |
| 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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |