Gas Plant Operators
O*NET 51-8092.00 · SOC 51-8092
Gas Plant Operator is a risky career choice. Median pay is $88k a year with -6% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 1,400 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Monitor compressor stations to maintain pipeline pressure levels
- →Operate dehydration units to remove moisture from natural gas
- →Check gas meters and regulators for accurate flow measurement
- →Purge and pressurize pipelines before returning them to service
- →Record gas volume, pressure, and temperature readings each shift
Education & How to Get In
Gas Plant Operator roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Gas Plant Operator involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Gas Plant Operator?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Gas Plant Operator Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Gas Plant Operators is projected to decline 6% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·45% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·38% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Gas Plant Operator make?
The median Gas Plant Operator earns $88k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Gas Plant Operator jobs?
Our model puts Gas Plant Operator at 66 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 45% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 38% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.
Is Gas Plant Operator a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 6% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 1,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Gas Plant Operator?
Most Gas Plant Operator roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Gas Plant Operator?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Gas Plant Operator career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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