How much does a gas station attendant make?
a year · about $17 an hour
A typical gas station attendant in the United States makes $35,670 a year, about $17 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
You fuel cars or boats, take payment, and may change oil, add antifreeze, replace wipers, or fix tires. You might also clean windshields, check tires, test batteries, and record daily sales.
Did you know? In New Jersey, an open public gas station must have an attendant on duty, and only that attendant may dispense fuel.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $28,630 and $46,060How do you become one?
U.S. jobs often ask for a high-school diploma or GED, but some do not; employers usually train workers on the job. Federal law allows some nonfarm work from 14, with strict limits for younger teens and possible stricter state rules.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, useful skills, and the employer or industry can all affect pay. Local wages vary by state, and hours and shifts change how much someone earns overall.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($41,770), lowest in Louisiana ($29,150).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $28,630 | $35,670 | $46,060 | about 102,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $41,770 | about 10,000 |
| Washington | $39,440 | about 3,000 |
| Colorado | $38,370 | about 3,000 |
| Missouri | $38,130 | about 1,000 |
| Maryland | $37,580 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Service automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, and other automotive or marine vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and accessories. Collect payment for services and supplies. May lubricate vehicle, change motor oil, refill antifreeze, or replace lights or other accessories, such as windshield wiper blades or fan belts. May repair or replace tires. Excludes “Cashiers” (41-2011).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-6031.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes536031.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture
- webapps.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/028.htm
- www.nj.gov/labor/safetyandhealth/resources-support/laws-regulations/gasact.shtml
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY