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Career Profile

Gas Plant Operators

What they do:

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

Also Called:

Compressor Technician (Compressor Tech), Engine Room Operator, Gas Controller, Gas Dispatcher, Gas Plant Operator, Gas Resource Control Operator, Gas System Operator, Liquefied Natural Gas Technician (LNG Technician), Liquid Natural Gas Plant Operator (LNG Plant Operator), Plant Operator, Compressor Technician (Compressor Tech), Engine Room Operator, Gas Controller, Gas Dispatcher, Gas Plant Operator, Gas Resource Control Operator, Gas System Operator, Liquefied Natural Gas Technician (LNG Technician), Liquid Natural Gas Plant Operator (LNG Plant Operator), Plant Operator

WI Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$60,880
Starting Salary (2025)
$85,080
Median Salary (2025)
-8.8%
Projected Job Growth
150
WI Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Contact maintenance crews when necessary.
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.
Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Cooperation
Analytical Thinking
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Quality Control Analysis
Judgment and Decision Making

Expected Knowledge

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

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.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 58%
  • Post-secondary certificate 31%
  • Associate's degree 11%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Power Plant Operators
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Biomass Plant Technicians
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.