Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
SOC: 53-7071 O*NET: 53-7071.00
Median Salary
$77,320
per year
Job Growth
📉 -1.3%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
What does a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$46,180
10th percentile
Early Career
$58,580
25th percentile
Median
$77,320
50th percentile
Experienced
$91,020
75th percentile
Top Earners
$99,510
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$46,180
25th
$58,580
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$77,320
Mean: $74,610
75th
$91,020
90th
$99,510
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $53,330 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $58,580 and $91,020
- •Salary spread is 42.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 3,510 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:5,400
Top Industries
Pipeline Transportation45%
Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas39.6%
Wholesale Trade13.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-1.3%
Annual Openings:600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)5,400
Current
2034 (Projected)5,300
-1.3%
-100
Employment Change
-1.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 21 locations
Texas
1,350 jobs$82,1204.26x
Pennsylvania
300 jobs$60,1702.19x
West Virginia
200 jobs$65,05012.49x
Oklahoma
140 jobs$82,1503.60x
Ohio
120 jobs$85,9300.94x
Washington
120 jobs$57,5001.44x
Montana
100 jobs$83,7508.95x
Alaska
60 jobs$106,4408.17x
Louisiana
60 jobs$79,9701.41x
New York
60 jobs$59,0400.30x
Alabama
60 jobs$43,4401.32x
Kansas
50 jobs$107,7301.58x
Indiana
40 jobs$100,2800.56x
Michigan
40 jobs$78,2400.45x
Virginia
40 jobs$64,9900.38x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Production and Processing
100%
#3
Arm-Hand Steadiness
100%
#4
Mechanical
94%
#5
Operation and Control
94%
#6
Manual Dexterity
92%
#7
Public Safety and Security
86%
#8
Critical Thinking
86%
#9
Finger Dexterity
82%
#10
Equipment Maintenance
80%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Production and Processing
advanced5.0
100%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advanced5.0
100%
Mechanical
advanced4.7
94%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Manual Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
Public Safety and Security
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Production and Processing
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Mechanical
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Manual Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Public Safety and Security
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Finger Dexterity
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Administration and Management
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders90%
5 shared skills
Roof Bolters, Mining82%
5 shared skills
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators82%
5 shared skills
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation80%
5 shared skills
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic80%
5 shared skills
Etchers and Engravers80%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓Administration and Management
Learn on the Job:
- →Troubleshooting
- →Active Listening
- →English Language
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Public Safety and Security
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Production and Processing
- ★Mechanical
- ★Public Safety and Security
- ★Operation and Control
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
13
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (7)Operations & Execution (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Training & Development (1)
1
Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development79% perform86%
9
Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, and replace filters and gaskets, using hand tools.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •54% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.62
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.61
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.59
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.50
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.31
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.26
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.6
Integrity
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.5
Persistence
4.3
Achievement/Effort
4.3
Independence
4.3
Cooperation
4.2
Initiative
4.2
Concern for Others
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Advanced Career Institute
Visalia, CA
1.0k program completions/year
U.S. Truck Driver Training School
Sterling Heights, MI
790 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island
Pawtucket, RI
736 program completions/year
Delta Technical College-Mississippi
Horn Lake, MS
703 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of CT-Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT
622 program completions/year
Central Technology Center
Drumright, OK
557 program completions/year
HDS Truck Driving Institute
Tucson, AZ
548 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Connecticut
Somers, CT
429 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Massachusetts
North Andover, MA
428 program completions/year
All-State Career School
Essington, PA
350 program completions/year
Diesel Driving Academy-Shreveport
Shreveport, LA
345 program completions/year
Diesel Driving Academy-Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, LA
337 program completions/year