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.

Median wage

$71,510

$43,950–$98,350

Projected growth

—

Annual openings

—

per year

Employed (US)

5,110

Job Zone 2

Typical preparation

Some preparation

Stackable credential programs

0 mapped

View credentials →Open in portal

Core skills

Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlCritical ThinkingActive ListeningMonitoringReading ComprehensionEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshooting

Knowledge areas

Production and ProcessingMechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityAdministration and ManagementChemistry

Technology & tools

Facilities management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing software

Representative tasks

Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressRespond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equRecord instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.

Competency framework

Skill expectations by proficiency level.

emerging

Pressure gauges and flow meters — read and record basic readings under direct supervision at a gas compressor station.Operating logs — document instrument readings and routine operational changes following established templates and supervisor guidance.Control room valves and panel switches — identify and locate under technician direction before performing any adjustments.Compressor startup procedures — follow step-by-step written protocols to move controls and turn valves with supervisor oversight.Power-driven pumps — assist in basic operation for transferring gases or liquids under close on-the-job mentorship.Daily operations reports — compile basic facility data into standardized report forms with review by a lead operator.Gas sampling procedures — collect gas samples from designated points using proper containers following safety instructions.Emergency shutdown equipment — recognize locations and identify purposes of safety shutoffs during orientation walkthroughs.Facilities management software — enter routine operational data into the system with guidance from an experienced operator.Personal protective equipment and station safety rules — apply consistently during all tasks performed on the compressor floor.

developing

Meter and pressure gauge readings — monitor continuously across a shift and identify consumption rate variations without supervisor prompting.Control room equipment adjustments — respond to routine pressure or temperature deviations by making corrections within established operating parameters.Valve and flow-control adjustments — tune to achieve specified performance targets using practiced judgment on familiar equipment configurations.Compressor engines and auxiliary equipment — start and shut down independently following full operating procedures in a live station environment.Operating logs and shift records — maintain accurate and complete documentation of all operational changes using word processing and spreadsheet software.Gas quality tests — conduct basic chemical tests for sulfur and moisture content at the station, or prepare samples correctly for laboratory submission.Daily facility operations reports — compose and submit reports that accurately reflect production data, incidents, and equipment status.Minor equipment maintenance tasks — perform routine inspections and basic upkeep on pumps and compressors according to scheduled maintenance plans.Coordination with field personnel — communicate clearly via radio or email to instruct crew members to adjust equipment at remote problem locations.Troubleshooting common faults — diagnose recurring mechanical or operational issues on pumping equipment using logical elimination and equipment manuals.

proficient

Multi-point monitoring systems — interpret simultaneous meter, gauge, and electronic readout data across a full compressor station to detect non-routine anomalies.Complex operational problems — apply critical thinking and engineering knowledge to diagnose and resolve equipment failures that fall outside standard procedures.Control system adjustments — autonomously reconfigure industrial control software settings to restore optimal performance under varying demand conditions.Gas quality analysis — evaluate chemical test results, interpret laboratory reports, and determine corrective actions based on quality or safety thresholds.Emergency response coordination — direct personnel across multiple control areas to implement shutdown or mitigation procedures during unplanned operational upsets.Equipment repair and overhaul — lead hands-on repair activities on compressors, pumps, and associated mechanical systems to restore full operational capacity.Comprehensive shift and incident reports — author detailed written documentation of complex events, regulatory variances, and corrective actions taken during operations.Operational data trends — analyze historical log and spreadsheet data to identify performance degradation patterns and recommend preventive maintenance actions.Safety and regulatory compliance — apply knowledge of public safety codes and environmental standards to ensure all station operations meet legal requirements.Cross-functional coordination — liaise with engineering, logistics, and management teams to schedule maintenance windows and optimize gas transmission throughput.

advanced

Station operating standards and procedures — develop and revise formal operating protocols for gas compressor and pumping facilities used across the organization.Workforce competency development — design and deliver on-the-job training programs that build operator skills from entry level through proficient performance.Organizational performance metrics — establish key operational indicators for pressure management, uptime, and gas quality and report findings to senior leadership.Capital equipment decisions — evaluate compressor and pump technology options, prepare business cases, and recommend investments to improve facility reliability.Incident investigation leadership — lead root-cause analyses of major operational failures, document findings, and implement systemic corrective actions organization-wide.Regulatory and safety governance — serve as the subject-matter authority on public safety, environmental, and industry regulations governing gas compression operations.Cross-site operational coordination — oversee scheduling and resource allocation across multiple compressor stations to balance system demand and minimize downtime.Emergency response planning — author and exercise facility emergency response plans ensuring compliance with federal and state pipeline safety requirements.Technology integration strategy — champion adoption of advanced industrial control software and monitoring systems that improve operational visibility and efficiency.Continuous improvement culture — lead systematic review of operational logs, incident reports, and quality data to drive sustained improvements in safety and productivity.

Also known as

34 alternate job titles map to this occupation.

Fill Plant OperatorPipeline TechnicianCompressor TechnicianLiquefied Natural Gas Plant Operator (LNG Plant Operator)Terminal OperatorButadiene Compressor OperatorGas Transfer OperatorCompressor OperatorGas-Compressor OperatorGas EngineerCompressorStation OperatorPipeline Systems OperatorCorrosion TechnicianGas Compressor OperatorStation EngineerGas Storage OperatorButane Compressor OperatorWireline Field OperatorGas OperatorGas Cylinder OperatorAir Compressor TechnicianGas Booster EngineerCompressor EngineerGas Cylinder ProcessorNatural Gas AnalystAcetylene Gas CompressorGas-Pumping-Station OperatorGas JourneymanHigh Pressure Compressed Gas FillerPlant OperatorFillerLiquid Natural Gas Plant OperatorCompressor Station Operator

← All occupations Employer demand by state →