Occupation

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Human Advantage 71%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.2 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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: Acetylene Gas Compressor, Air Compressor Technician, Butadiene Compressor Operator, Butane Compressor Operator, Compressor, Compressor Engineer, Compressor Operator, Compressor Station Operator +24 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
  2. Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
  3. Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
  4. Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.
  5. Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
  6. Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.
  7. Submit daily reports on facility operations.
  8. Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.
  9. Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.
  10. Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.
  11. Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, and replace filters and gaskets, using hand tools.
  12. Maintain each station by performing general housekeeping duties such as painting, washing, and cleaning.
  13. Connect pipelines between pumps and containers that are being filled or emptied.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
65%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
14%
Some College Courses
11%
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)
10%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word

Software (6)

  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Programmable logic controller PLC software

Tools & Equipment (17)

  • 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
  • Tablet computers
  • Water pumps

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Maintenance & Repair Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators You are here
Zone 3
Signal and Track Switch Repairers 81% match
Zone 4
Transportation Inspectors 77% match

Resume Builder

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Real Talk

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