Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
Gas Plant Operators
SOC: 51-8092 O*NET: 51-8092.00
Median Salary
$83,400
per year
Job Growth
📉 -8.8%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
What does a Gas Plant Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$59,040
10th percentile
Early Career
$73,150
25th percentile
Median
$83,400
50th percentile
Experienced
$100,000
75th percentile
Top Earners
$109,350
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$59,040
25th
$73,150
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$83,400
Mean: $85,470
75th
$100,000
90th
$109,350
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $50,310 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $73,150 and $100,000
- •Salary spread is 32.2% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 15,910 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:16,200
Top Industries
Utilities42%
Utilities42%
Natural Gas Distribution36.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-8.8%
Annual Openings:1,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)16,200
Current
2034 (Projected)14,800
-8.8%
-1,400
Employment Change
-8.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Gas Plant Operators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 44 locations
Texas
1,590 jobs$82,7601.11x
Louisiana
1,120 jobs$105,0305.68x
Oklahoma
980 jobs$76,5705.61x
Illinois
810 jobs$95,9501.29x
Pennsylvania
780 jobs$76,0701.26x
Wyoming
690 jobs$80,76024.04x
Ohio
660 jobs$74,5001.16x
California
630 jobs$124,9800.34x
Massachusetts
480 jobs$100,5701.27x
Michigan
480 jobs$98,3201.05x
Colorado
480 jobs$92,4201.60x
Mississippi
450 jobs$79,5303.79x
West Virginia
410 jobs$79,7105.64x
Iowa
400 jobs$89,0702.47x
Kansas
380 jobs$78,1102.56x
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 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Operation and Control
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Judgment and Decision Making
74%
#6
Quality Control Analysis
66%
#7
Reading Comprehension
60%
#8
Active Listening
54%
#9
Coordination
46%
#10
Writing
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.7
74%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.3
66%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.0
60%
Active Listening
basic2.7
54%
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
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Writing
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders73%
5 shared skills
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers70%
5 shared skills
Quality Control Systems Managers67%
5 shared skills
Power Plant Operators67%
5 shared skills
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Active Listening
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
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 Plant Operators
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
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 OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡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 outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet high 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
19
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (8)Operations & Execution (1)Planning & Development (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (5)Communication & Coordination (1)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Monitor transportation and storage of flammable and other potentially dangerous products to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Start and shut down plant equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using hand tools, or request that repair and maintenance work be performed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination79% perform86%
9
Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Read logsheets to determine product demand and disposition, or to detect malfunctions.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •37% 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 Plant 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 Plant 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 Plant Operators
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.51
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.38
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.19
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.03
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.02
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.98
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.4
Integrity
4.2
Cooperation
4.0
Analytical Thinking
4.0
Independence
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Initiative
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
Self-Control
3.9
💡 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
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