Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

SOC code 53-7071 · O*NET-SOC 53-7071.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$77,320

a year

Hourly

$37.17

per hour

10th$46,180Median$77,32090th$99,510

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$74,610

$35.87 per hour

Middle 50%

$58,580 – $91,020

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$46,180 – $99,510

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

3,510

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $46,180; $22.20/hr
25th percentile: $58,580; $28.17/hr
Median percentile: $77,320; $37.17/hr
75th percentile: $91,020; $43.76/hr
90th percentile: $99,510; $47.84/hr

What do gas compressor and gas pumping station operators 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.

The tasks that matter most day to 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.
Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.
Submit daily reports on facility operations.
Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 65% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)65%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
Some College Courses11%
Post-Secondary Certificate10%

Common questions

How much does a gas compressor and gas pumping station operators earn?

The national median is $77,320 a year. The full range runs from $46,180 at the 10th percentile to $99,510 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a gas compressor and gas pumping station operators without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.6/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Active Listening3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5
Writing3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing4.6/5
Mechanical4.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.9/5
Administration and Management3.8/5
Chemistry3.7/5
English Language3.6/5
Education and Training3.5/5
Mathematics3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting.