Also called: Gas Plant Operator, Cryogenic Gas Plant Operator
Runs the plants that clean raw natural gas and separate out propane, butane and other liquids before it goes into pipelines.
You work 12-hour shifts in a control room watching compressors, chillers and towers that cool gas to minus 150°F. Every couple of hours you walk the plant taking readings and checking for leaks. When an alarm sounds you are the one who keeps the plant stable.
BLS gas plant operators.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school; a 2-year process technology degree helps you get hired.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Process Technology (2-year), Chemical Technology.
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). Gas plant operators.
Medium risk for 10 years. Automation lets fewer operators run each gas plant; rounds and upset responses still need people.
Classes: Chemistry, Physics, Algebra.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-8092.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.