How much does a gas compressor and gas pumping station operator make?

The median pay is $37.17 per hour — roughly $77,500 a year, with the real range running from about $22.20/hr (10th percentile) to $47.84/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a gas compressor and gas pumping station operator?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a gas compressor and gas pumping station operator actually do all day?

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.

Transportation

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.

What it pays
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators earn a median of $37.17/hr — about $77,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $22.20/hr; the top 10% earn $47.84/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 3.6% of gas compressor and gas pumping station operators are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a gas compressor and gas pumping station operator make?: The median pay is $37.17 per hour — roughly $77,500 a year, with the real range running from about $22.20/hr (10th percentile) to $47.84/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a gas compressor and gas pumping station operator?: The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).
What does a gas compressor and gas pumping station operator actually do all day?: 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.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.