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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 (BLS)

$77,320

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$46k – $100k

Job outlook

No separate BLS projection for this specific role

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

  1. 1

    Registered apprenticeship (paid)

    Experience

    Earn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.

    $0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    Journeyman exam & state/local license

    License

    Most states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.

    $100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

    Entry / Junior

    $46,180

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

    Established

    $77,320

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

    Senior

    $88,415

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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