Occupation · SOC 51-8092
Gas Plant Operators
Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
Median wage
$83,400
$59,040–$109,350
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
15,910
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
20 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringCritical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionWritingTroubleshootingTime ManagementSpeakingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessRepairingMathematicsEquipment MaintenanceActive LearningSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesInstructingSystems EvaluationPersuasionNegotiationService OrientationEquipment SelectionScienceManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisProgrammingInstallation
Knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityMechanicalEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyProduction and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeEducation and TrainingPhysicsLaw and GovernmentTransportationDesignTelecommunicationsGeographyAdministration and ManagementPersonnel and Human ResourcesBuilding and ConstructionCommunications and MediaChemistryPsychologyEconomics and AccountingSociology and AnthropologyBiologySales and MarketingTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryPhilosophy and TheologyForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsFood Production
Technology & tools
AspenTech HYSYSMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOperating log softwareQuorum PGASSAP softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareWork scheduling software
Representative tasks
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesControlling Machines and ProcessesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationWorking with ComputersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersThinking CreativelyDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesCoaching and Developing OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsAssisting and Caring for OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesDeveloping and Building TeamsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Temperature, pressure, and flow gauges — read and record under direct supervision during routine unit checks at a gas processing facility.Panel boards and control boards — identify key components and their functions under guidance in a gas distribution plant.Operations logs and gauge readings — transcribe accurately into standardized forms following established recording procedures.Safety protocols and emergency shutdown procedures — recognize and follow as directed by a senior operator on shift.Compressors and scrubbers — identify equipment types and describe their basic roles in natural gas processing under instruction.Abnormal gauge readings — detect and report immediately to a supervising operator during routine monitoring rounds.Hand tools and basic inspection instruments — use under direct supervision to perform pre-shift equipment walkarounds.Gas flow and pressure terminology — comprehend and apply correctly when reading operating manuals and shift instructions.Team communications — listen actively and relay information accurately to co-workers and supervisors during shift handovers.Industrial control software interfaces — navigate basic screens to view real-time process data under trainer guidance.
developing
Equipment functioning checks — perform independently on a regular schedule, noting deviations from normal operating parameters at a gas plant.Compressors, evaporators, and refrigeration units — control operations routinely to maintain gas liquefaction and regasification within set specifications.Panel board and semi-automatic control equipment — operate with reduced oversight to distribute and process gas for utility or industrial customers.Gas flow rate and pressure to boiler and furnace feedlines — adjust using control equipment to keep heating systems within required operating ranges.Operations records, test results, and gauge readings — compile and review shift reports using spreadsheet and word processing software.Pressure variances and process anomalies — analyze available data to identify probable causes and recommend corrective actions to a supervisor.Temperature, vacuum, and transfer settings — adjust systematically to correct minor process deviations during a standard production shift.Co-workers and control room staff — coordinate with to resolve routine unit problems and share process status information effectively.Quality control checks on gas output — conduct using established analytical procedures and document results in plant databases.Work tasks across a shift — prioritize and manage time to complete monitoring, recording, and adjustment duties without missing critical windows.
proficient
Full equipment suite including compressors, scrubbers, and evaporators — operate autonomously across all process stages to ensure continuous, compliant gas output.Abnormal pressure variances and process upsets — diagnose root causes independently and implement corrective measures such as pipe-relief adjustments or flow rerouting.Gas distribution to multiple feedlines — regulate flow and pressure simultaneously using panel boards and industrial control software to meet varied downstream demands.Non-routine equipment malfunctions — troubleshoot systematically, applying mechanical knowledge and deductive reasoning to restore operations with minimal downtime.Operations records and trend data — review across shifts to identify patterns, flag emerging equipment issues, and support continuous process improvement.Emergency and safety incidents — respond decisively using established protocols, exercising sound judgment to protect personnel and plant assets.Complex multi-variable process adjustments — execute across temperature, pressure, level, and flow parameters to maintain quality and safety standards simultaneously.Cross-functional operator teams — lead collaborative problem-solving sessions to address persistent unit problems and implement lasting solutions.Regulatory and compliance documentation — prepare accurate written reports and process data summaries suitable for internal review and external inspection.Enterprise resource planning and analytical software — use proficiently to monitor production metrics, generate operational analyses, and support management decisions.
advanced
Plant-wide monitoring and control strategies — design and implement to optimize safety, efficiency, and gas output quality across all operating units.Abnormal pressure scenarios and systemic process risks — evaluate at an organizational level and lead installation of infrastructure improvements such as pressure-relief systems.Operator competency development programs — create and deliver to build technical skills in emerging and developing staff across the gas plant.Shift performance and operational standards — set and enforce through policy development, procedure review, and direct mentorship of the operator team.Cross-departmental and utility-customer relationships — manage to ensure reliable gas distribution agreements, service quality, and proactive issue resolution.Industrial control and ERP system configurations — oversee and guide updates to ensure control software accurately reflects current process requirements and safety parameters.Major process upsets and multi-unit emergencies — direct response operations, coordinating operator teams and external responders to restore safe conditions rapidly.Operations data trends and quality control analyses — interpret at a strategic level to drive capital investment recommendations and long-term plant reliability plans.Regulatory compliance and public safety obligations — own accountability for, ensuring all plant operations meet applicable codes, permits, and reporting requirements.Organizational safety culture — champion through leadership modeling, incident investigation oversight, and systematic review of cautiousness and dependability across the workforce.
Also known as
45 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Bulk Gas SpecialistCompressor Technician (Compressor Tech)Engine Room OperatorField GaugerField Technician (Field Tech)Fuel AttendantGas ControllerGas DispatcherGas Distribution Plant OperatorGas MakerGas OperatorGas Plant DispatcherGas Plant OperatorGas Plant SpecialistGas Plant Technician (Gas Plant Tech)Gas Processing Plant OperatorGas ProducerGas Resource Control OperatorGas SpecialistGas System OperatorGas Systems WorkerGas Technician (Gas Tech)Gas TreaterHeat Plant SpecialistHigh Pressure OperatorLandfill Gas Technician (Landfill Gas Tech)Liquefaction and Regasification Plant OperatorLiquefaction Plant OperatorLiquefied Natural Gas Operator (LNG Operator)Liquefied Natural Gas Technician (LNG Technician)Liquid Natural Gas Plant Operator (LNG Plant Operator)Load DispatcherNatural Gas Plant Technician (Natural Gas Plant Tech)Oil and Gas SpecialistOperation SpecialistOperatorOxygen Plant OperatorPlant OperatorPlant SpecialistPressure Controller