All About Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Job Description: Operate steam, gas, electric motor, or internal combustion engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.

List of Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator Job Duties

• Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.
• Connect pipelines between pumps and containers that are being filled or emptied.
• Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.
• Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.
• Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.
• Maintain each station by performing general housekeeping duties such as painting, washing, and cleaning.

What Every Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator Should Know

Below is a list of the skills most Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators say are important on the job.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Related Job Titles

• Compressor Engineer
• Pipeline Technician
• Acetylene Gas Compressor
• Wireline Field Operator
• Liquid Natural Gas Plant Operator

Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator Employment Estimates

In the United States, there were 3,900 jobs for Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.6% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 100 new jobs for Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 500 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator are North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Watch out if you plan on working in Montana, Nebraska, or Kentucky. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator

The salary for Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators ranges between about $40,220 and $82,450 a year.

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators who work in Ohio, Nebraska, or North Dakota, make the highest salaries.

How much do Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators make in each U.S. state?

State	Annual Mean Salary
California	$70,490
Colorado	$58,480
Florida	$49,690
Illinois	$66,630
Iowa	$53,700
Kansas	$62,990
Louisiana	$57,040
Maine	$41,580
Maryland	$66,360
Massachusetts	$64,440
Missouri	$48,710
Montana	$63,850
Nebraska	$69,980
New Jersey	$65,930
New York	$58,440
North Dakota	$67,570
Ohio	$71,110
Oklahoma	$63,470
Pennsylvania	$62,790
Tennessee	$52,340
Texas	$52,980
Utah	$60,120
West Virginia	$65,380
Wyoming	$59,560

Tools & Technologies Used by Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Outlook
• Data entry software
• Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

How to Become a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator

What education is needed to be a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator?

What work experience do I need to become a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator?

Where do Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators employed by various industries.

Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator might also be interested in the following careers:

• Hunters and Trappers
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Etchers and Engravers
• Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
• Construction Laborers
• Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

Career changers with experience as a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

• Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

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More about our data sources and methodologies.