What You Need to Know About Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator
Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator Definition Operate steam, gas, electric motor, or internal combustion engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
Life As a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator
- Connect pipelines between pumps and containers that are being filled or emptied.
- Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
- Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
- Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.
- Maintain each station by performing general housekeeping duties such as painting, washing, and cleaning.
- Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.
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Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator Needed Skills
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Other Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator Job Titles
- Compressor Station Operator
- Terminal Operator
- Wireline Field Operator
- Station Engineer
- Liquefied Natural Gas Plant Operator (LNG Plant Operator)
Is There Going to be Demand for Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 3,900 jobs in the United States for Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator. 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. The BLS estimates 500 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
How Much Does a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator Make?
The typical yearly salary for Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators is somewhere between $40,220 and $82,450.

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators who work in Ohio, Nebraska, or North Dakota, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators in different U.S. states.
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 |
What Tools & Technology do Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Education needed to be a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators Sector

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

Related 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
Those who work as a Gas Compressor or Gas Pumping Station Operator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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