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Job outlook for systems operators in the United States
Systems operator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected systems operator job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 18,200 new jobs for systems operators are projected over the next decade.
Systems operator salaries have increased 9% for systems operators in the last 5 years.
There are over 26,940 systems operators currently employed in the United States.
There are 91,037 active systems operator job openings in the US.
The average systems operator salary is $38,182.
Are systems operator jobs in demand?
Systems operator job and salary trends over time
Systems operator jobs over time
Systems operator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 26,940 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 26,546 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 27,513 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 4,439 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,545 | 0.00% |
Average systems operator salary over time
Systems operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,182 | $18.36 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $36,923 | $17.75 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $36,087 | $17.35 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $35,670 | $17.15 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $35,054 | $16.85 | +2.4% |
Systems operator jobs by state
Most common states for systems operators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 341 | 49% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 283 | 27% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 203 | 27% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,690 | 25% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,190 | 20% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,518 | 17% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,411 | 17% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 118 | 16% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 97 | 16% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 204 | 15% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 88 | 15% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 265 | 13% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 126 | 13% |
| 14 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 114 | 13% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 870 | 12% |
| 16 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 166 | 12% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 598 | 11% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 219 | 11% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 550 | 10% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 344 | 10% |
Most common cities for systems operators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loma Linda | 2 | 8% | $47,620 |
| 2 | Lexington | 2 | 6% | $35,271 |
| 3 | Florence | 2 | 5% | $32,998 |
| 4 | Riverton | 2 | 5% | $32,826 |
| 5 | Harrisburg | 2 | 4% | $34,937 |
| 6 | North Little Rock | 2 | 3% | $31,416 |
| 7 | Fargo | 3 | 2% | $34,515 |
| 8 | Concord | 2 | 2% | $48,682 |
| 9 | Norman | 2 | 2% | $38,030 |
| 10 | Saint Paul | 2 | 1% | $42,032 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $35,285 |
| 12 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $47,789 |
| 13 | Austin | 2 | 0% | $36,973 |
| 14 | New York | 2 | 0% | $38,023 |
Systems Operator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of systems operator experts
Northwood University
Albertus Magnus College
Professor David Sanford
Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB)Northwood University
Computer And Information Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Systems Operator?
Professor David Sanford: Workers like that they are challenged to solve problems and lead technological innovations.
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like
Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.
In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.
What will help Systems Operators increase their earning potential?
Professor David Sanford: Going into information systems engineering is a smart choice for many reasons. The profession is in high demand worldwide, offering job security and competitive wages. Professionals in this field have versatile skills, allowing them to work with sophisticated technology and adapt to changing business needs. Continued technological advancement creates opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Career paths cater to individual interests, including knowledge in areas such as cybersecurity and data analytics. In addition, the possibility of working remotely enhances the flexibility of work, making it attractive to those seeking a dynamic and stimulating career
David Garaventa
Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CISAlbertus Magnus College
Business Administration and Management Department
What skills stand out on Systems Operator resumes?
David Garaventa: The skills/attributes required across a variety of jobs in the IT fields.