Career comparison
Gas Compressor Operator vs. Roustabout
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. $46,960), while roustabouts usually get to work faster (1–3 months of training). Gas compressor operators run compressors that move natural gas through pipelines. Roustabouts build, maintain and repair oil and gas sites and equipment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Gas Compressor Operator | Roustabout | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $77,320 ($37.17/hr) | $46,960 ($22.58/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $46,180 – $99,510 | $36,420 – $64,530 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.1% (slower than average) | +3.6% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 300 | 4,100 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | Months on the job | 1–3 months |
| Key credential | Operator qualification | SafeLand USA |
| Work setting | Operators work at compressor stations, often in rural areas.. | Roustabouts work outdoors at well sites, tank batteries and yards, often in remote areas and harsh weather.. |
What each job does
Gas Compressor Operator
- Run compressors
- Monitor pressures
- Do rounds
- Respond to alarms
- Perform maintenance
Roustabout
- Assemble and repair oilfield equipment
- Lay and repair pipelines
- Dig and backfill trenches
- Clean tanks and equipment
- Load and unload materials
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work and working outdoors. Both are part of the energy & utilities field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose gas compressor operator if…
- I like machines
- I like working independently
- I’m safety-minded
Choose roustabout if…
- I want to start without experience
- I don’t mind hard physical work
- I like working outdoors
Still torn? Take the Gas Compressor Operator fit quiz and the Roustabout fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, gas compressor operator or roustabout?
Gas Compressor Operators earn more at the median: $77,320 versus $46,960 for roustabouts, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Roustabouts typically train faster (1–3 months) than gas compressor operators (Months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects roustabouts to grow +3.6% from 2025–35, compared with +2.1% for gas compressor operators.