Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
SOC Code: 53-7071
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators carries a 38% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $71,510 and -1.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 5,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators (SOC 53-7071) carries an AI exposure score of 38%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 5,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -1.3% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $71,510, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators. Public companies with meaningful exposure to this occupation, such as United Airlines Holdings, Inc. and DELTA AIR LINES, INC., inherit a share of the same automation risk through their industry classification. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.
- 2. Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.
- 3. Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.
- 4. Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.
- 5. Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
- 6. Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.
- 7. Submit daily reports on facility operations.
- 8. Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.
- 9. Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.
- 10. Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators?
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators has an AI exposure score of 38%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators is projected to decline by 1.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 5,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators?
Key skills for Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators earn?
The median annual wage for Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators is $71,510, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators?
The typical entry-level education for Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators?
Public companies with significant Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators workforce shares include United Airlines Holdings, Inc., DELTA AIR LINES, INC., Essential Utilities, Inc., among others. These employers are mapped by industry classification (SIC/NAICS) to BLS occupation-industry employment distributions. See the full employer rankings for AI displacement risk grades.
Employers with High AI Exposure in This Occupation Group
Public companies whose industry occupation mix includes a significant share of Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators roles.
| Company | AI Grade | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines Holdings, Inc. | C | 40.5% |
| DELTA AIR LINES, INC. | B | 40.5% |
| Essential Utilities, Inc. | C | 40.5% |
| NEXTERA ENERGY INC | B | 40.5% |
| UNION PACIFIC CORP | B | 40.5% |
| Booking Holdings Inc. | B | 40.5% |
| ENBRIDGE INC | B | 40.5% |
| Constellation Energy Corp | B | 40.5% |
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).