Gas plant operators
SOC Code: 51-8092Also known as:
Bulk Gas Specialist, Compressor Technician (Compressor Tech), Engine Room Operator, Field Gauger, Fuel Attendant
Median Annual Salary
$83,400
-8.8% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
16K
Current Jobs
What Gas plant operators Do
Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
💰 Salary
$83,400
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-8.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
16,200
Projected Employment (2034)
14,800
Related Careers
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Stationary engineers and boiler operators
$75,190 •
+2.2% growth
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
$97,540 •
-2.8% growth
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
$71,510 •
-1.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Quality Control Analysis
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
- Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.
- Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.
- Control equipment to regulate flow and pressure of gas to feedlines of boilers, furnaces, and related steam-generating or heating equipment.
- Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.
- Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.
- Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.
- Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.
- Monitor transportation and storage of flammable and other potentially dangerous products to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
- Start and shut down plant equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Gas plant operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a gas plant operators:
Petroleum Technology/Technician
294 degrees awarded •
28 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Gas plant operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become gas plant operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do gas plant operators make?
The median annual salary for gas plant operators is $83,400.
What education do gas plant operators need?
Most gas plant operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Petroleum Technology/Technician.
Is becoming gas plant operators a good career choice?
Gas plant operators is projected to see -8.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 1,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for gas plant operators?
Top colleges for aspiring gas plant operators include
Uintah Basin Technical College, Lewis and Clark Community College, Nicholls State University, The University of Texas Permian Basin, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to gas plant operators?
Gas plant operators may also be known as: Bulk Gas Specialist, Compressor Technician (Compressor Tech), Engine Room Operator, Field Gauger, Fuel Attendant, Gas Controller, Gas Dispatcher, Gas Distribution Plant Operator, Gas Maker, Gas Operator, Gas Plant Dispatcher, Gas Plant Operator, Gas Plant Specialist, Gas Plant Technician (Gas Plant Tech), Gas Processing Plant Operator, Gas Producer, Gas Resource Control Operator, Gas Specialist, Gas System Operator, Gas Systems Worker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.