Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Machines can already do 34% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 72%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 34% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2031, and 72% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 3,510 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $77,320 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 66% for contact with people.
- Also called: Compressor Operator, Compressor Station Operator, Compressor Technician, Fill Plant Operator.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures | 24% | 40% to 80% | |
| Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, and replace filters and gaskets, using hand tools | 12% | 20% to 60% | |
| Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas | 10% | 25% to 55% | |
| Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs | 10% | 70% to 95% | |
| Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance | 10% | 20% to 60% | |
| Maintain each station by performing general housekeeping duties such as painting, washing, and cleaning | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment | 5% | 30% to 75% | |
| Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials | 5% | 30% to 75% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills gas compressor and gas pumping station operators use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers53% of tasks by 2035 · US median $61,010
- Dietetic Technicians58% of tasks by 2035 · US median $37,640
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians42% of tasks by 2035 · US median $64,120
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators61% of tasks by 2035 · US median $70,070
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2031. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of gas compressor and gas pumping station operators?
Machines can do 34% of the tasks of gas compressor and gas pumping station operators today and 72% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 53-7071.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/gas-compressor-and-gas-pumping-station-operators/