Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages.

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

1. Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.

2. Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.

3. Notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions.

4. Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program.

5. Read job set-up instructions to determine equipment to be used, order of use, material such as disks and paper to be loaded, and control settings.

6. Operate spreadsheet programs and other types of software to load and manipulate data and to produce reports.

7. Retrieve, separate and sort program output as needed, and send data to specified users.

8. Load peripheral equipment with selected materials for operating runs, or oversee loading of peripheral equipment by peripheral equipment operators.

9. Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.

10. Oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, including coordinating and scheduling the use of computer terminals and networks to ensure efficient use.

11. Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

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.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Computer Operators. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Computer Operators, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$23,780 for entry level workers, and $43,270 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Least Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 12,010 Computer Operators employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 8,650  employed in NY. This represents a decrease of 0 job(s) each year, and a total of 190 job openings each year.

Computer operators - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

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Word Processors and Typists - Use word processor/computer or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned.

Desktop Publishers - Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.