Median annual earnings of computer operators were $29,650 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between about $23,040 and $37,950 a year. The highest 10 percent earned more than $46,780, and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,610. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer operators in 2002 are shown below:
| Management of companies and enterprises | $32,770 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 30,280 |
| General medical and surgical hospitals | 28,130 |
| Data processing, hosting, and related services | 27,440 |
| Depository credit intermediation | 24,160 |
The average salary for computer operators employed by the Federal Government was $41,117 in 2003.
According to Robert Half International, the average starting salaries for computer operators ranged from $28,250 to $38,500 in 2003. Salaries generally are higher in large organizations than in small ones.
Computer operators oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, ensuring that these machines are used as efficiently as possible. They may work with mainframes, minicomputers, or networks of personal computers. Computer operators must anticipate problems and take preventive action, as well as solve problems that occur during operations.
The duties of computer operators vary with the size of the installation, the type of equipment used, and the policies of the employer. Generally, operators control the console of either a mainframe digital computer or a group of minicomputers. Working from operating instructions prepared by programmers, users, or operations managers, computer operators set controls on the computer and on peripheral devices required to run a particular job.
Computer operators load equipment with tapes, disks, and paper, as needed. While the computer is running—which may be 24 hours a day for large computers—computer operators monitor the control console and respond to operating and computer messages. Messages indicate the individual specifications of each job being run. If an error message occurs, operators must locate and solve the problem or terminate the program. Operators also maintain logbooks or operating records, listing each job that is run and events, such as machine malfunctions, that occur during their shift. In addition, computer operators may help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs. (See the statements on computer programmers; and computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer scientists elsewhere in the Handbook.)
As the trend toward networking computers accelerates, a growing number of computer operators are working on personal computers (PCs) and minicomputers. In many offices, factories, and other work settings, PCs and minicomputers are connected in networks, often referred to as local area networks (LANs) or multi-user systems. Whereas users in the area operate some of these computers, many require the services of full-time operators. The tasks performed on PCs and minicomputers are very similar to those performed on large computers.
As organizations continue to look for opportunities to increase productivity, automation is expanding into additional areas of computer operations. Sophisticated software, coupled with robotics, enables a computer to perform many routine tasks formerly done by computer operators. Scheduling, loading and downloading programs, mounting tapes, rerouting messages, and running periodic reports can be done without the intervention of an operator. Consequently, these improvements will change what computer operators do in the future. As technology advances, the responsibilities of many computer operators are shifting to areas such as network operations, user support, and database maintenance.
.Employment of computer operators is expected to decline through the year 2012. Experienced operators are expected to compete for job openings that will arise each year to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Opportunities will be best for operators who have formal computer-related education, are familiar with a variety of operating systems, and keep up to date with the latest technology.
Advances in technology have reduced both the size and cost of computer equipment, while increasing the capacity for data storage and processing automation. Sophisticated computer hardware and software are now used in practically every industry, in such areas as factory and office automation, telecommunications, medicine, education, and administration. The expanding use of software that automates computer operations gives companies the option of making systems more user-friendly, greatly reducing the need for operators. Such improvements require operators to monitor a greater number of operations at the same time and be capable of solving a broader range of problems that may arise. The result is that fewer operators will be needed to perform more highly skilled work.
Computer operators who are displaced by automation may be reassigned to support staffs that maintain personal computer networks or assist other members of the organization. Operators who keep up with changing technology, by updating their skills and enhancing their training, should have the best prospects of moving into other areas such as network administration and technical support. Others may be retrained to perform different job duties, such as supervising an operations center, maintaining automation packages, or analyzing computer operations to recommend ways in which to increase productivity. In the future, operators who wish to work in the computer field will need to know more about programming, automation software, graphics interface, client/server environments, and open systems in order to take advantage of changing job opportunities.
.Computer operators usually receive on-the-job training in order to become acquainted with their employer's equipment and routines. The length of training varies with the job and the experience of the worker. However, previous work experience is the key to obtaining an operator job in many large establishments. Employers generally look for specific, hands-on experience with the type of equipment and related operating systems they use. Additionally, formal computer-related training, perhaps through a community college or technical school, is recommended. Related training also can be obtained through the U.S. Armed Forces and from some computer manufacturers. As computer technology changes and data processing centers become more automated, employers will increasingly require candidates to have formal training and experience for operator jobs. And, although not required, a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field can be helpful when one is seeking employment as a computer operator or advancement to a managerial position.
Because computer technology changes so rapidly, operators must be adaptable and willing to learn. Analytical and technical expertise also are needed, particularly by operators who work in automated data centers, to deal with unique or high-level problems that a computer is not programmed to handle. Operators must be able to communicate well, and to work effectively with programmers, users, and other operators. Computer operators also must be able to work independently because they may have little or no direct supervision.
A few computer operators may advance to supervisory jobs, although most management positions within data processing or computer operations centers require advanced formal education, such as a bachelor's or higher degree. Through on-the-job experience and additional formal education, some computer operators may advance to jobs in areas such as network operations or support. As they gain experience in programming, some operators may advance to jobs as programmers or analysts. A move into these types of jobs is becoming much more difficult, as employers increasingly require candidates for more skilled computer jobs to possess at least a bachelor's degree.
.Other occupations involving work with computers include computer software engineers; computer programmers; computer support specialists and systems administrators; and computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer scientists. Other occupations in which workers operate electronic office equipment include data entry and information processing workers, as well as secretaries and administrative assistants.
For information about a career as a computer operator, contact:
For information about work opportunities in computer operations, contact establishments with large computer centers, such as banks, manufacturing firms, insurance companies, colleges and universities, and data processing service organizations. The local office of the State employment service can supply information about employment and training opportunities.
Employment is expected to decline sharply due to advances in technology. Opportunities will be best for operators who have formal computer-related education, are familiar with a variety of operating systems, and keep up-to-date with the latest technology. They may work with mainframes, minicomputers, or networks of personal computers. Computer operators must anticipate problems and take preventive action, as well as solve problems that occur during operations. A number of computer operators are employed by firms in computer systems design and related services, as more companies contract out their data processing operations.
Summary of: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos128.htm
Computer Arithmetic - Bitwise Operators Bitwise Operations Java, C, C++ and other languages contain operators or functions which allow the programmer to manipulate bits directly. \\ shifted 3 places \ \+-> (bits lost) v v --------- 0001 1110 = 30 (decimal) Since it is not immediately obvious, it is natural to ask what these operators are used for. Packing Information It is often useful to pack several pieces of information into a small space. In Visual Basic we can create a message box. MsgBox "Do you want to save your work?", _ vbYesNoCancel Or vbQuestionMark Or vbDefaultButton2 Masking (Unpacking) The or operator was used above to pack lots of information into a word.
Summary of: http://www.hal-pc.org/~clyndes/computer-arithmetic/bitwise.html
May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. Talking to others to convey information effectively. Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Load peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs, or oversee loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators. The length of training varies with the job and the experience of the worker.
Summary of: http://jobs.state.va.us/careerguides/ComputerOperator.htm
First, they read instructions to learn the proper setup for the equipment. Next, operators load computers with tapes or disks. Now, more computer operators are working on networked personal computers. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100279
Control and monitor the routine operation of applications using the operator consoles, control panel lights, buttons, and switches. Classify, catalog, and maintain removable storage media. Produce and maintain the computer operations section of the operations manual. Ability to work both independently and under close supervision. Documenting computer operation tasks and procedures.
Summary of: http://www.donald-firesmith.com/Components/Producers/Roles/ComputerOperator.html
This means that operators must anticipate problems before they occur and take preventive action as well as solve problems that do occur. The duties of computer and peripheral equipment operators vary with the size of the installation, the type of equipment used, and the policies of the employer. Working from operating instructions prepared by programmers, users, or operations managers, computer operators set controls on the computer and on peripheral devices required to run a particular job. Traditionally, peripheral equipment operators have to prepare printouts and other output for distribution to computer users. More and more establishments are realizing the need to connect all their computers in order to enhance productivity.
Summary of: http://www2.jobtrak.com/help_manuals/outlook/ocos128.html
Meeting the demand of computer networking or multi-user systems, Computer Operators are working on PCs and minicomputers, applying the same tasks as those performed on larger computers. As technology continues to advance, Computer Operators will monitor an automated system. The duties of Computer Operators vary with the size of the installation, the type of equipment used, and the policies of the employer. A typical data processing cycle starts with a request for a report. Once the need is identified and the end product agreed upon, a computer programmer prepares a computer program for obtaining the required data output.
Summary of: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/COMPUOPE.HTM
Opportunities will be best for operators who are familiar with a variety of operating systems and who keep up to date with the latest technology. Nature of the Work Computer operators oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, ensuring that these machines are used as efficiently as possible. Computer operators must anticipate problems and take preventive action, as well as solve problems that occur during operations. The duties of computer operators vary with the size of the installation, the type of equipment used, and the policies of the employer. The length of training varies with the job and the experience of the worker.
Summary of: http://guide.symplicity.com/resources/profession_article.php?id=161
May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas.
Summary of: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/43-9011.00
Most computer operators receive first-hand training at the job site. The most qualified job candidates will have previous experience or education in computer or systems-oriented fields. Computer Operator Career Overview Computer operators operate and manage the use of hardware systems, mainframes, networks, minicomputers, and other types of systems. In addition, operators manage the records of existing jobs and problems that were encountered. Employers typically prefer to hire workers with previous experience in related technology use.
Summary of: http://www.careeroverview.com/computer-operator-careers.html