1

Air Compressor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grit Blast Operator

Houston, TX

$16 - $19/hr

Grit Blast Operator About PROENERGY PROENERGY is an engineering, R amp;D, and manufacturing ... Ability to operate a variety of manual and power equipment including air compressor system, blowers ...

Grit Blast Operator- 3rd Shift

Sedalia, MO · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Grit Blast Operator - 3rd Shift About PROENERGY PROENERGY is an engineering, R&D, and manufacturing ... Ability to operate a variety of manual and power equipment including air compressor system, blowers ...

Grit Blast Operator - 3rd Shift About PROENERGY PROENERGY is an engineering, R amp;D, and ... Ability to operate a variety of manual and power equipment including air compressor system, blowers ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

... reverse osmosis system, air compressor systems, and air conditioning equipment along with ... Operating Engineer (BOC) or other applicable licenses is a plus with Universal CFC (EPA608) license ...

Operator- Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Operator Location: Arkansas Company: Xccelerated Construction Unlimited LLC About Us: At ... Reliable vehicle with current registration, external fuel cell, air compressor and grease gun. What ...

Showing results 41-60

Air Compressor Operator information

See salary details

$23

$26

$28

How much do air compressor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for air compressor operator in the United States is $26.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an air compressor operator do?

An Air Compressor Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining air compressor systems used to supply compressed air for various industrial applications. Their duties include starting and stopping compressors, adjusting controls to regulate pressure, performing routine inspections, and ensuring equipment is operating safely and efficiently. They may also be required to perform basic maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and keep detailed logs of compressor performance and repairs. The role is essential in industries where compressed air is used for powering tools, machinery, or processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air compressor operator?

To thrive as an Air Compressor Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating air compressors, pressure gauges, control panels, and preventive maintenance software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of air compressor systems in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by air compressor operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Air Compressor Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal pressure levels, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and ensuring equipment runs efficiently. Managing unexpected breakdowns and minimizing downtime requires strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with maintenance protocols. Working closely with maintenance teams and following strict safety procedures can help address these challenges effectively. Regular equipment inspections and clear communication with supervisors also play a key role in maintaining smooth operations.

What is the difference between Air Compressor Operator vs Pump Operator?

AspectAir Compressor OperatorPump Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in equipment operationHigh school diploma, certifications in pump operation
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, construction sitesWater treatment plants, oil & gas facilities, industrial sites
Industry UsageManufacturing, construction, energyWater, oil & gas, chemical industries

Both roles involve operating heavy equipment and require similar certifications. While Air Compressor Operators focus on managing compressed air systems in industrial settings, Pump Operators handle fluid transfer systems. Both are essential in industrial operations, often overlapping in work environments and industry applications.

How to become an air compressor operator?

To become an air compressor operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training or technical school instruction. Relevant skills include understanding of machinery, safety procedures, and maintenance, and some positions may require certification in equipment operation or safety standards.
More about Air Compressor Operator jobs

What job categories do people searching Air Compressor Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Compressor Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Air Compressor Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,999 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Grit Blast Operator
About PROENERGY
PROENERGY is an engineering, R amp;D, and manufacturing powerhouse. The company addresses every need for fast-start power generation: turbine and package manufacturing, turnkey project execution, power purchase agreements, and asset lifecycle care for turbines and plants. Where others see impossible energy challenges, PROENERGY provides innovative aeroderivative solutions.
Our Footprint
PROENERGY delivers fast-start, dispatchable power solutions from worldwide centers for aeroderivative excellence. We are investing more than $1 billion through 2028 in infrastructure to serve our customers.
In Sedalia, Missouri, our 600,000 sq ft Center for Excellence in Manufacturing—a world-class investment in fast-start power and the only campus of its kind in the world—is growing by 40 percent.
In Houston, Texas, our 500,000 sq ft Center for Excellence in Lifecycle Care features a Level-IV depot and aero repair facility, which executes comprehensive services for aeroderivative engines under one roof.
In Kansas City, we have an office with an Engineering team that supports our sought-after solutions for turnkey projects and contracted power.
And our worldwide service centers ensure local service expertise near our customers. Our expanding service footprint includes Phoenix, Buenos Aires, New Brunswick, and additional locations in Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Our Philosophy
We take care of our people and strive to make a positive difference for the world. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits that include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life/Disability Insurance at minimal cost to the employee, 10 paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401K plan. If you are looking for a rewarding career and possess specialized knowledge and quality-oriented problem-solving skills, we encourage you to apply today.
Position Summary
The Grit Blast Operator is responsible for cleaning industrial equipment components by using grit blast equipment. This role will operate forklift to move parts in and out.
Reports to: Paint Supervisor
Work Location: 8310 McHard Road, Houston, TX 77053
Position Responsibilities
  • Operate grit blast equipment to clean industrial gas turbine package equipment
  • Maintain flow of components upstream and downstream of the blast booth
  • Maintain grit blast pot and safety equipment in good condition
  • Abrades surfaces of metal or hard-composition objects to remove adhering scale, sand, paint, grease, tar, rust, and dirt, and to impart specified finish, using abrasive-blasting equipment: Shovels or pours abrasives, such as sand, grit, or shot of specified grade into machine hopper.
  • Masks specified areas of object to protect from abrading action.
  • Starts equipment that directs blast or flow of abrasive-laden compressed air, gas, or liquid over surface of parts.
  • May examine finished products to ensure conformance to specifications
  • Understand the procedure and purpose for abrasive blasting.
  • Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum high school diploma or GED, or relevant work experience in lieu of education.
  • Must read, write and speak fluent English.
  • Successful candidate will need to satisfactorily complete pre-employment drug screen and background check
  • US work authorization is a precondition of employment. The company will not consider candidates who require sponsorship for a work-authorized visa.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 2+ years’ experience in Grit Blast Operations or in an industrial setting
  • Knowledge of proper safety precautions related to all work performance.
  • Exhibit experience on repair and maintenance industrial equipment.
  • Ability to operate a variety of manual and power equipment including air compressor system, blowers, forklift, etc.
  • Technical competence to work in industrial area.
  • Experienced in proper safety precautions related to all work performance.
  • Exhibit experience on repair and maintenance industrial equipment.
  • Experienced in operating a variety of manual and power equipment including air compressor system, blowers, etc.
  • Technical competence to work in industrial area.
It is PROENERGY’s policy to provide equal opportunity in employment to all its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, national origin, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, military status, or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal law.