Career Overview
Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
Also Known As
- Compressor Station Operator
- Compressor Technician
- Filler
- Plant Operator
Alternate Job Titles
- Acetylene Gas Compressor
- Air Compressor Technician
- Butadiene Compressor Operator
- Butane Compressor Operator
- Compressor
- Compressor Engineer
- Compressor Operator
- Compressor Station Operator
- Compressor Technician
- Corrosion Technician
- Fill Plant Operator
- Filler
- Gas Booster Engineer
- Gas Compressor Operator
- Gas Cylinder Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Manual Dexterity
- Finger Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Control Precision
- Perceptual Speed
- Reaction Time
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Tolerance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable pipe wrenches
- Cordless drills
- Electrically powered compressors
- Gas engine driven compressors
- Gas pressure gauges
- Grease dispensing guns
- Heating boilers
- Internal combustion engine driven compressors
- Multipurpose hammers
- Personal computers
- Phillips screwdrivers
- Ratchet wrenches
- Socket wrench sets
- Steam driven compressors
- Straight screwdrivers
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $43,950 |
| Median | $71,510 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $98,350 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 5,110
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Gas Plant Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $83,400
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $97,540
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $75,190
Power Plant Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $99,670
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $60,020
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.