Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
SOC Code: 53-7071Also known as:
Acetylene Gas Compressor, Air Compressor Technician, Butadiene Compressor Operator, Butane Compressor Operator, Compressor
Median Annual Salary
$71,510
-1.3% growth (2024-2034)
600
Openings/Year
5K
Current Jobs
What Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators Do
Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
💰 Salary
$71,510
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-1.3%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
600
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,400
Projected Employment (2034)
5,300
Related Careers
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Stationary engineers and boiler operators
$75,190 •
+2.2% growth
Gas plant operators
$83,400 •
-8.8% growth
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
$97,540 •
-2.8% growth
Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers
$60,020 •
+2.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
- Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
- Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
- Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.
- Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
- Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.
- Submit daily reports on facility operations.
- Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.
- Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.
- Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do gas compressor and gas pumping station operators make?
The median annual salary for gas compressor and gas pumping station operators is $71,510.
What education do gas compressor and gas pumping station operators need?
Most gas compressor and gas pumping station operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming gas compressor and gas pumping station operators a good career choice?
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators is projected to see -1.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for gas compressor and gas pumping station operators?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to gas compressor and gas pumping station operators?
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators may also be known as: Acetylene Gas Compressor, Air Compressor Technician, Butadiene Compressor Operator, Butane Compressor Operator, Compressor, Compressor Engineer, Compressor Operator, Compressor Station Operator, Compressor Technician, Corrosion Technician, Fill Plant Operator, Filler, Gas Booster Engineer, Gas Compressor Operator, Gas Cylinder Operator, Gas Cylinder Processor, Gas Engineer, Gas Journeyman, Gas Operator, Gas Storage Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.