Gas Plant Operators
Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Gas Plant Operators to decrease by -6.0% between 2024 and 2034, from 18,200 to 17,100 jobs. Its estimate of 1,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($87,820), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
18,200
Projected employment (2034)
17,100
Projected change (2024–2034)
-6%
Annual openings (projected average)
1,400
Pay & Preparation
$87,820
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Long-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (4.12/5) • Operation and Control (3.75/5) • Monitoring (3.62/5) • Critical Thinking (3.5/5) • Judgment and Decision Making (3.25/5) • Quality Control Analysis (3.25/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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