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Skilled Trades

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 salary

$71,510

Typical range

$44k – $98k

Job outlook

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Plan a path to Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

    Entry / Junior

    $43,950

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

    Established

    $71,510

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

    Senior

    $84,930

Key skills

A typical day

  • Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
  • Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
  • Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
  • Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.
  • Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.

Fields of study

Any field

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