Career: Computer Operators

While the number of things that computers can do is impressive, it still takes a human to control and monitor the tasks they perform.

Computer operators work for many kinds of industries to input computer tasks, monitor mainframes (large computers that support many users at once) that often run 24/7, and check for problems that come up during their shift. They often work closely with programmers and users to decide how computers may be used most efficiently.

Computer operators oversee the operations of computer hardware systems, working with mainframes, networked PCs, or minicomputers.

Did You Know?

• Despite being faster than ever, computers can still complete only one task at a time. Scientists are working on the quantum computer, which they hope will perform multiple operations at once.

Are You Ready To...?

• Set controls on a mainframe digital computer
• Interpret error messages to locate and solve problems
• Help a systems analyst debug a new program
• Keep a logbook of each job run on the computer
• Work a night shift monitoring a computer that runs twenty-four hours a day

It Helps to Be...

Willing to learn. Computer technology is evolving at an amazing rate and you’ll need to keep up with new advances.

Make High School Count

• Help out in the school computer lab and apprentice yourself to whoever’s in charge.
• Intern with a local business to learn how computers and computer networks are used in the business world.
• Sign up for computer science. Learn as much as you can about a wide range of computer processes and languages.

Did You Know?

• More computer operators are increasingly working on PCs and minicomputers that are connected through local area networks or multiuser systems.

Outlook

Government economists predict a sharp decline in the number of jobs for computer operators between 2004 and 2014.

Thanks to advances in technology, each operator can monitor more computers and a greater range of computer processes. Therefore, fewer operators are needed.

Compensation

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average yearly salary of computer operators in 2006 was $35,010.