Computer operators are responsible for overseeing the functioning and operations of computer hardware components and systems. They ensure that computer equipment is running securely and efficiently, and keep computer logs for each computer events and tasks. These tasks include software upgrades, data backup procedures, virus scans, computer maintenance, system tests and software debugging. Their work can be done through a computer mainframe console and minicomputers. They also need to handle error messages, trouble-shoot problems and terminate applications when necessary. Working with programmers and system analysts, they assist with testing and debugging new software. Computer operators also coordinate and schedule computer networks and usage in an effort to ensure that they are being used efficiently.
Summary
- Individuals can obtain an associate’s degree, high school diploma or vocational training to gain entrance into this field.
- Technological advancements in computer functions allow for computer operators to work remotely.
- Many workers receive on-the-job training.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this field is expected to decline more rapidly than the average due to advances in technology that allow most of the work to be automated.
Work Environment for Computer Operators
Computer operators work in indoor offices and may have face-to-face meetings, communicate through telephone, email and spend a lot of time sitting at computer terminals. Since computer operators need to monitor systems that are constantly running, they can work during the day, night and weekends. Advancements in telecommunications and automated systems don’t necessarily require full-time monitoring of operations allowing remote work. They work in collaboration with other technology professionals as well as independently.
Education, Training and Licensing
The minimum of an associate’s degree, high school diploma or training at a vocational school can be used to gain entrance into this field, and many computer operators receive on-the-job training. Relevant work experience, computer skills and knowledge are required by most employers. Computer operators must have knowledge of the workings of computer hardware, software, electronic equipment and data processing systems. Customer service and business knowledge, such as user-needs assessment, quality assurance standards and administrative record keeping, is also important. Often employees working in this occupation need one to two years of training received on-the-job and through informal training working with other computer professionals.
Employment Figures, Projections, Outlook and Earnings for Computer Operators
According to research published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer operators held approximately 94,730 jobs in May 2009. Most of these jobs were in computer systems design data processing, hosting and related services and management of companies and enterprises. Other jobs were in depository credit intermediation, colleges, universities and professional schools.
Employment in this field is forecasted by the BLS to decline rapidly compared to other occupations. This is due to technological advances such as software that allows for the automation of computer operations, which have made many of the tasks performed by these workers obsolete.
BLS records for May 2009 indicate that the average annual wage for computer operators was $37,540. The middle 50% earned between $27,910 and $46,150. While the lowest 10% had a yearly salary of $22,300 or less, the highest 10% earned upwards of $54,920 annually.