Tape operator vs backup operator

The differences between tape operators and backup 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 tape operator and a backup operator. Additionally, a tape operator has an average salary of $60,356, which is higher than the $38,519 average annual salary of a backup operator.

The top three skills for a tape operator include tape library, troubleshoot and mainframe. The most important skills for a backup operator are quality checks, GMP, and pallets.

Tape operator vs backup operator overview

	Tape Operator	Backup Operator
Yearly salary	$60,356	$38,519
Hourly rate	$29.02	$18.52
Growth rate	10%	7%
Number of jobs	26,204	41,711
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

Tape operator vs backup operator salary

Tape operators and backup operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tape Operator	Backup Operator
Average salary	$60,356	$38,519
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $93,000	Between $24,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between tape operator and backup operator education

There are a few differences between a tape operator and a backup operator in terms of educational background:

	Tape Operator	Backup Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Photography	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Tape operator vs backup operator demographics

Here are the differences between tape operators' and backup operators' demographics:

	Tape Operator	Backup Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1%	Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
Race ratio	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%	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	10%	10%

Differences between tape operator and backup operator duties and responsibilities

Tape operator example responsibilities.

Create large quantities of VHS dubs from master tapes both digital & analog formats.
Duplicate tapes into D2 , 1", 3/4"and 1/2"formats.
Operate all standard def machines and exposure to high def machines (D5, HDCAM, DVCPRO HD).
Respond to console and ATL messages.
key punch data using key to disk system
Experience with DVD authoring and mass duplication.

Backup operator example responsibilities.

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Perform preventive maintenance and emergency repairs on LP air blowers, air compressors, vacuum pumps and water chillers.
Configure Cisco MDS switches via GUI and CLI for SAN.
Follow all guidelines for sanitation per USDA auditing.
Move pallets of finish product and raw materials using sit down fork lift.
Replace or repair windows, doors, floors and seats on wheel vehicles.

Tape operator vs backup operator skills

Common tape operator skills

Tape Library, 23%
Troubleshoot, 16%
Mainframe, 5%
Unix, 4%
QC, 4%
Disk, 4%

Common backup operator skills

Quality Checks, 24%
GMP, 15%
Pallets, 15%
Hand Tools, 14%
Troubleshoot, 13%
Data Entry, 10%