Gas Plant Operator

Gas Plant Operator Definition : Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.

• Calculate gas ratios to detect deviations from specifications, using testing apparatus.
• Test gas, chemicals, and air during processing to assess factors such as purity and moisture content, and to detect quality problems or gas or chemical leaks.
• Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.
• Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.
• Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.
• Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.

What a Gas Plant Operator Should Know

When polled, Gas Plant Operators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Operation Monitoring : Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Monitoring : Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation and Control : Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Critical Thinking : Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Quality Control Analysis : Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Judgment and Decision Making : Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Water Gas Operator
• Field Gauger
• Gas Producer

Job Outlook for Gas Plant Operators

There were about 17,300 jobs for Gas Plant Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Gas Plant Operator. The BLS estimates 1,700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Gas Plant Operator are Washington, Wyoming, and North Dakota . Watch out if you plan on working in Delaware, Wisconsin, or Kentucky . These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Gas Plant Operators Salary

The salary for Gas Plant Operators ranges between about $45,830 and $100,410 a year.

Gas Plant Operators who work in California, Massachusetts, or North Dakota make the highest salaries.

How do I Become a Gas Plant Operator?

Learn what Gas Plant Operator education requirements there are.