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Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Typical education: High school diplomaHigh pressure

What they do

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

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $77,320 Median per year · $37.17/hr Most earn $46,180–$99,510

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Connect pipelines between pumps and containers that are being filled or emptied.
  • 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.
  • Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
  • Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.

Job outlook

United States
2% more jobs by 2035, slower than average · about 300 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Pipeline transportation of natural gas39.2%
  • Natural gas distribution8.5%
  • Fuel dealers6.4%
  • Oil and gas extraction5.9%
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals4.3%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

This isn't usually a first job straight out of school. Most people start with a high school diploma, then spend roughly 2 to 4 years in related operator or plant work before moving into gas compressor operations.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Finish high school with strong math and science, since these skills are used to read gauges, follow procedures, and understand how equipment works.

  2. Pump Station Operator

    1-2 years

    Start in an entry-level role that runs pumps and related equipment, learning safety rules, shift routines, and how to monitor machines and record readings.

  3. Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operator

    Ongoing after 2-4 years of related experience

    With hands-on experience running pumping equipment, you can move into operating compressors that move and compress natural gas and other gases.

Where it can lead

  1. Lead Compressor Operator

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on more responsibility for a crew or station, guiding newer operators, checking that work is done safely, and handling tricky equipment problems.

  2. Operations Supervisor

    5+ years of experience first

    You oversee shifts and several operators, planning maintenance and schedules; this usually requires strong leadership, safety training, and a proven record on the job.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take math and physics or chemistryThese classes build the skills for reading pressure and flow readings and understanding how gases and machines behave.
  • Take shop or industrial technology classesHands-on mechanical and electrical work gives you practice with the kinds of equipment you would operate and maintain.
  • Get a part-time or summer jobAny job that teaches reliability, following procedures, and working safely, such as a warehouse, farm, or maintenance helper job, builds the work habits employers want.
  • Join a STEM or robotics clubClubs help you practice troubleshooting, teamwork, and following technical steps, all useful for equipment operation.
  • Volunteer for a community or workplace safety roleHelping with safety drills or first aid shows you can stay calm and follow procedures, which matters in plant work.

In college

  • Take courses in mechanical or industrial technologyClasses in mechanics, hydraulics, or process technology give you a foundation for running compressors and related equipment.
  • Pursue an internship or co-op at an energy or utility companyHands-on experience at a plant or pipeline site shows employers you can work safely around industrial equipment.
  • Work a campus job in facilities or maintenanceHelping maintain campus equipment builds practical troubleshooting and a record of reliable work.
  • Earn safety certificationsBasic safety credentials, such as first aid/CPR or industrial safety training that many schools and towns offer, make you a stronger applicant.
  • Join an engineering or technology student groupThese groups build teamwork and technical communication skills and can connect you with local industry contacts.

Tips for getting started

  • Ask your school or a local employer about job-shadowing at a pipeline, gas plant, or pump station if you can. Seeing the work up close helps you decide if it fits you.
  • Get comfortable with safety rules and basic mechanical work now, such as using tools and reading simple diagrams. Employers in this field value people who take safety seriously.
  • Look at job postings for gas compressor or pump station operators in your area to see which skills and certifications they ask for, then build toward those.

Related jobs that often lead here

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

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