How much does a gas plant operator make?
a year · about $42 an hour
A typical gas plant operator in the United States makes $87,820 a year, about $42 an hour, about 1.7× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They watch control-room screens and gauges, checking pressure, temperature, and gas flow. They test gas, adjust compressors or valves, log readings, and alert teammates or repair crews if something seems wrong.
Did you know? Some wellhead natural gas is already dry enough to meet pipeline standards, so it can skip processing at a gas plant.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $61,350 and $115,520How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high-school diploma or GED is usual, and new hires learn on the job for days to a year. Apprenticeships may also be an option; O*NET gives no usual starting age or nationwide entry exam or license.
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 United States, experience, the employer or industry, and location can all affect pay. Night shifts may include extra shift pay, and overtime can also change total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($130,220), lowest in Oklahoma ($78,310).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $61,350 | $87,820 | $115,520 | about 18,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $130,220 | about 800 |
| Louisiana | $108,350 | about 800 |
| Michigan | $100,500 | about 540 |
| Colorado | $98,080 | about 570 |
| Illinois | $97,810 | about 530 |
Official definition: Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
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/details/51-8092.00
- www.onetonline.org/skills/zone/51-8092.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100331?parentId=111300&s
- www.eia.gov/kids/energy-sources/natural-gas
- www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations/listings?occupationCode=51-809
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY