Career comparison
Control Valve Technician vs. Gas Compressor Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Gas compressor operators earn more at the median ($77,320 vs. $74,340), while gas compressor operators usually get to work faster (Months on the job of training). Control valve technicians install, test and repair the valves that control flow in plants and pipelines. Gas compressor operators run compressors that move natural gas through pipelines.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Control Valve Technician | Gas Compressor Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $74,340 ($35.74/hr) | $77,320 ($37.17/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $45,910 – $112,500 | $46,180 – $99,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.3% (about as fast as average) | +2.1% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 3,600 | 300 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Months to years of training | Months on the job |
| Key credential | Manufacturer valve training | Operator qualification |
| Work setting | Technicians work in plants, shops and along pipelines.. | Operators work at compressor stations, often in rural areas.. |
What each job does
Control Valve Technician
- Install valves
- Repair valves
- Calibrate actuators
- Test regulators
- Maintain gas meters
Gas Compressor Operator
- Run compressors
- Monitor pressures
- Do rounds
- Respond to alarms
- Perform maintenance
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, high-pay, and working outdoors. Both are part of the energy & utilities field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose control valve technician if…
- I like mechanical work
- I like precision
- I solve problems
Choose gas compressor operator if…
- I like machines
- I like working independently
- I’m safety-minded
Still torn? Take the Control Valve Technician fit quiz and the Gas Compressor Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, control valve technician or gas compressor operator?
Gas Compressor Operators earn more at the median: $77,320 versus $74,340 for control valve technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Gas Compressor Operators typically train faster (Months on the job) than control valve technicians (Months to years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects control valve technicians to grow +4.3% from 2025–35, compared with +2.1% for gas compressor operators.