Computer Operators work with or around other people. Computer Operators work in comfortable, well-lighted surroundings. They work in air-conditioned rooms which may be cooler than other work areas because computers must be kept in areas where the temperature and humidity are carefully controlled. Operators may have work areas that are noisy. Operators spend much of their time standing and walking while loading and checking machines.

They usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. They may become mentally tired at times. They may be required to work overtime frequently to meet deadlines. Computer installations are in operation 24 hours a day, and employees work in shifts. They may have to work evening or night shifts, weekends or holidays.

Many belong to a union or professional association and pay dues or fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific or technical nature

• Activities which require creative imagination

You Should Be Able To:

• Work in a routine, organized manner

• Work accurately and think logically (step-by-step)

• Work well under pressure and use time effectively

• Follow detailed instructions

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• See details and recognize errors in written materials

• Perform activities which involve machines, processes, or methods

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Should be able to prove that nCr = [n/(n-r)]*[(n-1)Cr]

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A record is printed at WRITE-RTN and one is added to the COUNTER 1, thus, COUNTER 1 is equal to 1 after one record is printed. Since COUNTER 1 is not yet equal to 5, WRITE-RTN is executed again. The second line is printed, and 1 is added to COUNTER 1, giving COUNTER 1 a value of 2.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written analysis of a computer problem.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing, monitoring, and controlling computer operations.

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

040 DATA PROCESSING

Programs in Data Processing provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed in a wide variety of jobs dealing with the sorting, analyzing, and processing of information using computers and other electronic and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Data Processing at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within Data Processing programs will vary from school to school but may include:

215 COMPUTER SCIENCE

Programs in Computer Science provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed in a wide variety of jobs dealing with the programming, analyzing, and operation of computers and other electronic and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Computer Science at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Many large firms offer training programs requiring no previous experience, while others require up to 2 years of training or experience. Small firms usually require at least 6 months of experience in data processing. Many employers give ability tests to applicants. Some expect Operators to keep informed about data communication trends.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Computer Programmer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Computer Programmer employer

community service work with an agency

Summer and part-time work with computer centers, work with government agencies may provide opportunities for experience. Postsecondary programs in computer science or data processing, and military service may also provide opportunities for experience.

Earnings of Computer Operators depend on the location and type of employer, the size of the computer installation, and the operator's experience and level of responsibility.

Nationally, Computer Operators had median annual earnings of $45,000 with earnings ranging between $41,100 and $50,500 in mid 2009. Earnings were generally highest in large metropolitan areas and in the great lakes region because of a high concentration of manufacturing establishments.  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

In the federal government, Computer Operators without work experience started at $39,188 per year in 2009. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Annual average earnings of Computer Operators in several metropolitan areas in Michigan were (mid 2009):

Computer Operators employed in Michigan hospitals earned an average minimum of $28,184 and an average maximum of $34,320 annually in mid 2009. Their average earnings were $31,034.

Computer Operators may receive paid vacations and holidays; hospitalization, accident, disability, life, and dental insurance; sick leave; and retirement plans. Some employers may offer stock purchase/savings plans for salaried workers.

Computer Operators may advance to senior Operator or lead Operator through a combination of training and experience. Those who demonstrate work and leadership skills may go on to supervisory positions.

Nationally, about 130,000 Computer Operators were employed in 2006. Their employment is expected to decline rapidly through the year 2016. About 1.8% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Computer Operators looked like this: