Data centre operator
Also known as: data center administrator, data centre operators, data centre employee
About this occupation
Data centre operators maintain computer operations within the data centre. They manage daily activities within the centre to solve problems, maintain the system availability, and evaluate the system's performance.
Essential skills and knowledge
- manage database
- develop contingency plans for emergencies
- administer ICT system
- query languages
- resource description framework query language
- maintain database security
- keep up with the latest information systems solutions
- maintain ICT server
- database management systems
- provide technical documentation
- analyse ICT system
- balance database resources
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Computer Network Support Specialists (O*NET 15-1231.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Back up network data.
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
- Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- Document network support activities.
- Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Investigative, Realistic
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Judgment and Decision Making, Speaking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$76,220 a year (2025), 146,190 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (5.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Computer Network Architects
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Information Security Engineers
- Information Security Analysts
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Database Administrators
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.