Skip to content

Gas Plant Operators

Production (51-8092)

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

At a Glance

Gas Plant Operators earns a median of $83,400/yr with -8.8% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel.

Median Annual Wage

$83,400/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

-8.8%

Annual Openings

1

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (6)

Operations Monitoring

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

4.1
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.8
Monitoring

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

3.6
Critical Thinking

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

3.5
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.3
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.3

Knowledge (4)

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.

3.9
Mechanical

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

3.8
English Language

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

3.6
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.4

Abilities (9)

Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

3.9
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.8
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.6
Auditory Attention

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

3.5
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.4
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.3
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.3
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.3
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.3

Technology (7)

Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Google Android

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (20)

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

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

4.3
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

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

4.3
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

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

4.3
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.1
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.1
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.1
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.9
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.9
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.9
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.9
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.6
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.5
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

3.4
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.4
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

3.4
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.3
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.3

Work Styles (1)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Gas Plant Operators.

Get Started Free