Gas Plant Operators in West Virginia
Want to work as a Gas Plant Operators in West Virginia? Here’s what you need to know. 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 West Virginia?
For gas plant operators working in West Virginia, the median annual wage is $79,710 per year (or roughly $38.32/hour).Earnings range from $59,200 at the 10th percentile to $89,740 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,200 | $28.46 |
| 25th percentile | $67,430 | $32.42 |
| Median (50th) | $79,710 | $38.32 |
| 75th percentile | $86,250 | $41.47 |
| 90th percentile | $89,740 | $43.15 |
The job concentration index in West Virginia nationwide is 5.64, indicating that gas plant operators are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, gas plant operators earn a median of $57,281 per year ($27.54/hour), higher than the West Virginia median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 408,984 gas plant operators nationwide. In West Virginia alone, about 410 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 260 gas plant operators.
Top West Virginia Metros for Gas Plant Operators
These are the West Virginia metros with the most gas plant operators in West Virginia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV | 90 | $85,580 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 30 | $76,570 |
Top States for Gas Plant Operators Employment
The table below shows the states where the most 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
These states pay the most for 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
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities 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?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Mining & Petroleum Technology
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar 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
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