Wages, California

Entry-Level Hourly Wage	$10.89
25th Percentile	$12.58
50th Percentile	$16.04
75th Percentile	$20.09

Wages, San Joaquin County

Entry-Level Hourly Wage	$10.80
25th Percentile	$11.96
50th Percentile	$14.82
75th Percentile	$17.75

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Computer Operators work 40 hours a week. Because some firms use their computers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Computer Operators may be required to work evenings or night shifts and weekends. A shift differential is usually paid for early evening and night work. Shift assignments are made on the basis of seniority. Holiday and weekend work are common. Operators may be assigned to certain shifts, either permanently or on a rotating basis. However, automated operations will reduce the need for shift work because computers can run operations during less desirable hours.

Fringe benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, partially paid retirement, medical, dental, visual, and life insurance. A few employers now provide child care benefits.

Employment Trends, California

Employment 1998	19,900
Projected Employment 2008	15,600
Percent Change 1998-2008	-21.6%
Separations 1998-2008	2,500

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County

Employment 1999	200
Projected Employment 2006	190
Percent Change 1999-2006	-5%
Separations 1999-2006	20

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Computer Operators work in comfortable rooms where temperature, humidity, and dust are controlled to keep the machines in operating condition. Noises in the room are kept to a minimum with sound-reduction materials, but there may be a low hum from disk or tape drives and occasional noise from high-speed printers.

Computer Operators spend much of their time on their feet as they set up, operate, monitor, and control equipment. Workers frequently experience pressure to meet deadlines. However, there are periods when the machines run for hours on their own. In some data processing offices, Computer Operators are required to lift and carry tapes, disks, paper, and other supplies, which may weigh up to 60 pounds.

Since Computer Operators spend a great deal of time at a computer monitor, they may be susceptible to eyestrain and backaches. Also, Operators do many repetitive tasks that may cause hand and wrist problems.

Advancement
Computer Operators can advance from operating peripheral equipment to controlling the console. Some may be promoted to high levels of technical responsibility, including promotion to supervisor. Most management positions require a bachelor's degree or higher. With additional training in programming, Operators can advance to programmer and systems analyst positions. But, many employers are beginning to require a bachelor's degree for such skilled computer jobs.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should use traditional job search methods such as newspaper ads, direct contact with medical offices, hospitals and clinics, accounting and bookkeeping firms and government agencies. Many employers list available jobs with schools and temporary employment agencies. Job seekers should also register with their nearest Job Services office of the California Employment Development Department.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.