CFChooseField
Transportation and Logistics

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping 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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Download graphic

Median pay

$71,510
Median annual pay for Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

-1.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

5,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

-100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Chemistry
  6. 6English Language

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Finger Dexterity
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Multilimb Coordination
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Documenting/Recording Information
  2. 2Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  3. 3Controlling Machines and Processes
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  3. 3E-Mail
  4. 4Health and Safety of Other Workers
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyComputerized maintenance management system CMMSProgrammable logic controller PLC software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.