Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Also called: Gas Compressor Station Operators
Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
Also called: Acetylene Gas Compressor, Air Compressor Technician, Butadiene Compressor Operator, Butane Compressor Operator, Compressor, Compressor Engineer
Median pay
$77,320
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$46,180 – $99,510
People employed
3,510
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 6.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators pay by state
Annual median pay by state (20 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators salary in every state →
What gas compressor and gas pumping station operators do
- 01Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
- 02Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
- 03Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
- 04Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.
- 05Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
- 06Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers93% · +25%
- Power Plant Operators93% · +32%
- Gas Plant Operators92% · +14%
- Biomass Plant Technicians89% · group pay
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators86% · +2%
Change into gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Gas Plant Operators90% · $87,820
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators88% · $78,620
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators88% · $60,020
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers87% · $96,710
- Biofuels Processing Technicians86% · $62,470