A Michigan Jobs & Career Portal service.

 

Computer Operators monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral data processing equipment to  process business, scientific, engineering, or other data according to operating instructions. 

 

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION  

 

Computer Operators may: 

 

Use job set-up instructions to decide the equipment to be used and the order of its use 

 

Set control switches, select, and load data and materials needed for the computer run 

 

Use various switches or keys to clear the system and start the computer 

 

Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance  

 

Separate output when sending data to different users 

 

Watch computer and peripheral equipment for errors or breakdowns 

 

Find reasons for breakdown if computer stops or error lights appear 

 

Record operating time and use of the computer 

 

Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.  

 

Oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, including coordinating and scheduling the

use of computer terminals and networks to ensure efficient use  

 

The tools, equipment, and work aids used may include: 

 

 

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

 

Computer Operators may specialize in these areas: 

 

213.362-010 COMPUTER OPERATORS monitor and control electronic data processing systems which process business, scientific, engineering, or other data. 

 

213.382-010 COMPUTER-PERIPHERAL-EQUIPMENT OPERATORS control and monitor peripheral machines such as card/tape units and high-speed printers to transfer data from cards and tapes and convert stored data to printed records. 

 

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts: 

 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

 

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. 

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

 

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 stud 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 DATAPROCESSING  

 

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: 

 

 

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

 

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

 

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan . For more information, contact the Bureau or  Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below. 

 

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***  

 

Please check Military website at  http://www.myfuture.com . 

 

COMPUTER SYSTEMS SPECIALISTS  

 

The military services use computers to store and process data on personnel, weather, finances, and many other operations. Before any information can be processed, computer systems must be set up, data entered, and computers operated. Computer systems specialists ensure information is entered, sorted, processed, and retrieved in a way that meets the military services' needs. 

 

What They Do  

 

Computer systems specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Identify computer user problems and coordinate to resolve them

• Install, configure, and monitor local and wide area networks, hardware, and software

• Compile, enter, and process information

• Provide customer and network administration services, such as passwords, electronic mail accounts, security,   and troubleshooting

 

Helpful Attributes  

 

Helpful school subjects include typing and computer science. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Interest in working with computer equipment

 

Training Provided  

 

Job training consists of 7 to 13 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Use of computer consoles and peripheral equipment

• Planning, designing, and testing computer systems

• Computer systems concepts

 

Work Environment  

 

Computer systems specialists work in offices or at computer sites, on military bases or aboard ships. 

 

Physical Demands  

 

Computer systems specialists may sit and key information for long periods. 

 

Civilian Counterparts  

 

Civilian computer systems specialists work for a wide variety of employers, such as banks, hospitals, retail    firms, manufacturers, government agencies, and firms that design and test computer systems. They perform duties similar to those performed in the military. They may also be called network support technicians, computer operators, or data processing technicians. Most civilian computer systems specialists require a four-year college degree. 

 

Opportunities  

 

The services have about 14,100 computer systems specialists. On average, they need about 1,300 new computer system specialists each year. After job training, computer systems specialists are assigned to work under the direction of experienced computer systems officers. With experience, they may become  managers of computer facilities.    

 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

 

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. 

 

Ways of becoming a Computer Operator include direct application to employers and taking Civil Service exams   for jobs with government agencies. Assistance in locating positions may be available through placement offices    of high schools, colleges, or vocational schools and local offices of Michigan Works!. Openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:   

 

Beacon Hill Staffing

Comparedataentryjobs.com

Michigan Careers, Colleges & Training

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs.

Classifieds Employment

MONSTER.COM

Yahoo!hotjobs

CareerBuilder

Dice

Net-Temps

computerjobs.com

CareerEngine

USAJOBS - United States Office of Personnel Management

NationJob.com

 

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

 

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 $36,000 with earnings ranging between $32,600 and $42,000 in 2005. 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 $33,852 in 2005. 

 

In the federal government, Computer Operators without work experience started at $22,519 per year in 2006. 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 (early 2006): 

 

 

Computer Operators employed in Michigan hospitals earned an average minimum of $26,312 and an average maximum of $40,560 annually in mid 2005. Their average earnings were $32,469. 

 

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. 

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

 

Nationally, about 149,400 Computer Operators were employed in 2004. Their employment is expected to decline through the year 2014. About 1.7% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Computer Operators looked like this:

 

NAICS Code	NAICS Industry Title	%  Employed
520000	Finance and Insurance	14.8
541000	Professional, scientific, and technical services, including computer systems design and related services	11.3
510000	Information	11.3
560000	Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services	8.8
920000	State Government	8.0
930000	Local Government	6.7
551100	Management of companies and enterprises	5.4
31-330	Manufacturing	5.0
622000	Hospitals, private	3.7
423000	Merchant wholesalers, durable goods	2.7
48-490	Transportation and Warehousing	2.4
424000	Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods	2.4
910000	Federal Government	2.0
--	Others	15.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are approximately 5,600 Computer Operators employed in Michigan. Computer Operators are employed in almost every industry, especially in computer and data processing service firms; automobile and equipment manufacturing firms; financial institutions; government agencies; insurance companies; accounting; auditing and bookkeeping services firms; colleges and universities and hospitals.

 

About 10% of all Computer Operators work part-time.

 

Employment of Computer Operators is expected to decline through the year 2012.  An average of 120 annual openingsis expected, with all due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.  Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. 

 

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2002-2012  

 

 

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

 

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from sources below: 

 

American Society of Employers 23815 Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI 48075-7713 1-248-353-4500	Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning  P.O. Box 518 Holt, MI 48842                                              1-517-694-9756
Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals 2350 East Devon Avenue, Ste. 115 Des Plaines, IL 60018 1-847-299-4227	Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) 401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60611 1-800-224-9371
Michigan Careers, Colleges & Training	School/College Placement Offices
Local Military Recruiters	Federal, State, and Local Civil Service Offices

Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth