FAQ
Gas Compressor Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a gas compressor operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a gas compressor operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about gas compressor operators
Do I need a degree?
No.
What is operator qualification?
A federal training requirement for pipeline tasks.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
How much does a gas compressor operator make?
The median annual wage for gas compressor operators was $77,320 ($37.17 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,180 and the highest 10% earned more than $99,510.
How long does it take to become a gas compressor operator?
Most people need about Months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a gas compressor operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is gas compressor operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.1% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 300 openings each year. Upsides include good pay; a common challenge is that remote locations.
What skills does a gas compressor operator need?
Key technical skills include compressor operation, engine maintenance, scada, and gas safety. Employers also value reliability, safety focus, and independence.
What certifications are available for gas compressor operators?
Common credentials include Operator qualification, H2S training, Engine training, and OSHA 10. Pipeline workers who perform covered tasks must be operator-qualified under federal rules.
Still deciding?
Try the Gas Compressor Operator fit quiz, compare with Gas Plant Operator, or explore Gas Compressor Operator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-7071 (Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.