Gas Plant Operators

SOC code 51-8092 · O*NET-SOC 51-8092.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Gas Plant Operators pay

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

Median pay

$87,820

a year

Hourly

$42.22

per hour

10th$61,350Median$87,82090th$115,520

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

Average pay

$88,710

$42.65 per hour

Middle 50%

$76,870 – $100,870

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$61,350 – $115,520

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

18,030

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $61,350; $29.50/hr
25th percentile: $76,870; $36.96/hr
Median percentile: $87,820; $42.22/hr
75th percentile: $100,870; $48.49/hr
90th percentile: $115,520; $55.54/hr

What does a gas plant operator do?

Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.
Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.
Control equipment to regulate flow and pressure of gas to feedlines of boilers, furnaces, and related steam-generating or heating equipment.
Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.
Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.
Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.
Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.

How to become a gas plant operator

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 58% 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)58%
Post-Secondary Certificate31%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%

Common questions

How much does a gas plant operator earn?

The national median is $87,820 a year. The full range runs from $61,350 at the 10th percentile to $115,520 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 plant operator 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

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

Knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security3.9/5
Mechanical3.8/5
English Language3.6/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Mathematics3.2/5
Engineering and Technology3.1/5
Production and Processing3.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making.