Median pay
$83,400
Median annual pay for Gas Plant Operators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Production
Gas Plant Operators
Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
10-year growth
-8.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
1,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
16,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Gas Plant Operators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
-1,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Monitoring
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Reading Comprehension
- 4Active Listening
- 5Speaking
- 6Writing
Knowledge areas
- 1Public Safety and Security
- 2Mechanical
- 3English Language
- 4Computers and Electronics
- 5Mathematics
- 6Engineering and Technology
Abilities
- 1Perceptual Speed
- 2Near Vision
- 3Problem Sensitivity
- 4Auditory Attention
- 5Selective Attention
- 6Deductive Reasoning
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Investigative
- 4Enterprising
- 5Social
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Cautiousness
- 2Dependability
- 3Attention to Detail
- 4Integrity
- 5Self-Control
- 6Stress Tolerance
Work activities
- 1Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 2Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 4Getting Information
- 5Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- 6Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Work context
- 1Telephone Conversations
- 2E-Mail
- 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 5Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Representative tasks
- 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.
Software and tools
Google Android · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyAspenTech HYSYSOperating log softwareQuorum PGASSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareWork scheduling software
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.