Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Gas Plant Operator
What gas plant operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Take shift turnover and review the control screens. From there, the day usually includes monitor and control processing equipment, operate compressors and pipelines, and regulate pressures and flows. Plants run continuously, so rotating 12-hour shifts are common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a gas plant operator working full time.
- Take shift turnover and review the control screens.
- Make rounds on compressors and separators.
- Take a gas sample for the lab.
- Adjust compressor load for pipeline demand.
- Isolate a pump for maintenance with lockout.
- Respond to a high-pressure alarm.
- Log readings and turn over.
Where gas plant operators work
Operators work in plants and stations, outdoors around equipment and in control rooms, often in rural areas.
Hours and schedule
Plants run continuously, so rotating 12-hour shifts are common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Monitor and control processing equipment
- Operate compressors and pipelines
- Regulate pressures and flows
- Take gas samples
- Make rounds and inspect equipment
- Respond to alarms and leaks
- Keep logs and records
Tools you’ll use every day
- Control systems (DCS/SCADA)
- Compressors
- Gas detectors
- Sampling equipment
- Pressure gauges
- Hand tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay without a degree
- Paid training
- Hands-on technical work
- Strong benefits
What’s hard
- Rotating shifts
- Employment projected to decline
- Hazardous materials
- Outdoor weather exposure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want high pay with training on the job
- I like process control
- I take safety seriously
- I can work rotating shifts
- I like outdoor and control room work
- I’m detail-oriented
Not sure? Take the free Gas Plant Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear gas monitors and know H2S hazards
- Follow lockout and isolation procedures
- Eliminate ignition sources
- Follow process safety management rules