Gas Plant Operators in New York
Thinking about a career as a Gas Plant Operators in New York? Here’s what the data says. Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
What do Gas Plant Operators Make in New York?
For a gas plant operators working in New York, the median annual wage is $91,100 per year (or roughly $43.80/hour).Annual wages span from $69,120 at the 10th percentile to $110,080 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,120 | $33.23 |
| 25th percentile | $76,380 | $36.72 |
| Median (50th) | $91,100 | $43.80 |
| 75th percentile | $98,440 | $47.33 |
| 90th percentile | $110,080 | $52.93 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in New York compared to the national average — is 0.22, suggesting fewer gas plant operators per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, gas plant operators earn a median of $57,281 per year ($27.54/hour), exceeding the New York median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 408,984 gas plant operators nationwide. In New York alone, around 220 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 260 gas plant operators.
Top New York Metros for Gas Plant Operators
These are the New York metros with the most gas plant operators in New York.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 240 | $107,810 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | 50 | $93,850 |
Top States for Gas Plant Operators Employment
These states have the highest employment of gas plant operators work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 1,590 |
| Louisiana | 1,120 |
| Oklahoma | 980 |
| Illinois | 810 |
| Pennsylvania | 780 |
| Wyoming | 690 |
| Ohio | 660 |
| California | 630 |
| Michigan | 480 |
| Massachusetts | 480 |
| Colorado | 480 |
| Mississippi | 450 |
| West Virginia | 410 |
| Iowa | 400 |
| Kansas | 380 |
| Tennessee | 340 |
| Missouri | 310 |
| Kentucky | 290 |
| North Carolina | 270 |
| South Carolina | 270 |
Highest-Paying States for Gas Plant Operators
Where gas plant operators earn the most: gas plant operators.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $124,980 |
| Connecticut | $107,400 |
| Oregon | $106,210 |
| Louisiana | $105,030 |
| New Jersey | $104,960 |
| Maryland | $104,340 |
| Massachusetts | $100,570 |
| Michigan | $98,320 |
| South Dakota | $98,170 |
| Illinois | $95,950 |
Skills
Top gas plant operators skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for gas plant operators, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
- Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.
- Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.
- Control equipment to regulate flow and pressure of gas to feedlines of boilers, furnaces, and related steam-generating or heating equipment.
- Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.
- Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.
- Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.
- Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.
- Monitor transportation and storage of flammable and other potentially dangerous products to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
- Start and shut down plant equipment.
- Read logsheets to determine product demand and disposition, or to detect malfunctions.
- Contact maintenance crews when necessary.
Work Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Getting Information
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Google Android In-demand technologies: Google Android
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Mining & Petroleum Technology
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to gas plant operators include:
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Biomass Power Plant Managers
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians
- Geothermal Technicians
Also Known As
Bulk Gas Specialist, Compressor Technician (Compressor Tech), Engine Room Operator, Field Gauger, Field Technician (Field Tech), Fuel Attendant, Gas Controller, Gas Dispatcher, Gas Distribution Plant Operator, Gas Maker, Gas Operator, Gas Plant Dispatcher, Gas Plant Operator, Gas Plant Specialist, Gas Plant Technician (Gas Plant Tech).
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 51-8092.00