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Compression Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Compression Operator information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do compression operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for compression operator in Philadelphia, PA is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compression operator?

Compression Operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining equipment that compresses gases or other materials, typically in industrial or manufacturing settings. Their main duties include monitoring gauges, controlling valves, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of compression machinery. They also perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and maintain safety standards to prevent leaks or malfunctions. Compression Operators often work in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and utilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a compression operator?

To thrive as a Compression Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, equipment operation, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with industrial compressors, control panels, SCADA systems, and standard safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient equipment operation, minimize downtime, and contribute to overall plant productivity.

What challenges do compression operators face and how can they be managed?

Compression Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal pressure levels, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, quick problem-solving skills, and thorough knowledge of machinery operations. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors is also essential to ensure issues are promptly addressed and downtime is minimized. Regular training and adherence to standard operating procedures can greatly help in managing these challenges.

What is the difference between Compression Operator vs Pump Operator?

AspectCompression OperatorPump Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, technical certificationsHigh school diploma, safety training, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOil & gas facilities, natural gas plants, industrial sitesOil & gas fields, refineries, industrial plants
Industry UsageCommon in natural gas processing and transmissionCommon in oil extraction and refining

Both Compression Operators and Pump Operators require similar certifications and work in industrial environments related to oil and gas. However, Compression Operators focus on managing gas compression systems, while Pump Operators handle fluid transfer systems. Their roles are distinct but often overlap in energy and processing industries.

What are popular job titles related to Compression Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For Compression Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Compression Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Compression Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

Infographic showing various Compression Operator job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,117 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Refrigeration Service Technician - Commercial & Industrial

Harleysville, PA

CoolSys
Hardware, Plumbing and HVAC Wholesalers • 51 - 200 employees

$45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


CoolSys rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

WHY COOLSYS?

At CoolSys, we offer more than just a job—we provide stability, growth, and industry-leading benefits for our employees. No wonder Newsweek named CoolSys one of America’s Greatest Workplaces! As a large company serving diverse customers, we invest in our team with:

  • Competitive Compensation: Up to $45/hr
  • Sign On Bonus: Up to $5,000.00 DOE
  • Ongoing Education & Training: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and paid online training.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage, paid vacation/holidays, and a 401(K) match.
  • Year-Round, Diverse Work: Stay engaged with consistent, interesting projects throughout the year, working across various industries and systems to keep learning and growing.
  • Extra Perks: Quarterly bonus plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts on vehicles, hotels, theme parks, pet insurance, and more.

Join us and advance your career while working with top-tier clients in the HVAC and refrigeration industry!


Responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

The Service Tech 4 - Refrigeration is responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing refrigeration systems. They are expected to handle complex technical issues, provide guidance to junior technicians, and ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of refrigeration equipment for commercial or industrial clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Ability to report to work in a timely manner as scheduled by supervisor.

· Repair and overhaul equipment such as compressors, water pumps, air handlers, electrical and mechanical control devices and other similar machinery.

· Test malfunctioning systems and components using electrical and/or mechanical skills.

· Maintain legible corporate and personal records of work history.

· Provide general repair work on refrigeration, heating and ventilation equipment such as air conditioning units, evaporative condensers, ice machine equipment, water pumps, gas furnaces, compressors and electric motors.

· Provide preventative maintenance activities; diagnose equipment malfunctions and operating efficiency of mechanical equipment.

· Perform work on minor construction and remodeling projects including startups of new installations.

· Embodies the CoolSys CARES culture (Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment, Safety).

· Performs other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

Education / Training

· High school diploma or GED, equivalent work experience and trade or technical school classes.

· Valid EPA certificate.

Work Experience / Skills

· 3-5 year's experience in commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical required.

· Basic knowledge of refrigeration, HVAC, ice machines, gas furnaces, and electrical.

· Experience working on refrigeration equipment in convenience stores or supermarkets a strong plus.

· Knowledge and understanding of the functions for single/multipule unit systems, rack systems, parallel racks, and rack control units along with previous work and understanding on display cases and walk-in boxes.

· Strong knowledge of open circuits on a rack compressor control circuit.

· Knowledge of lock out/tag out and arc flash equipment.

· Knowledge of a case lineup with electric defrost circuits.

· Knowledge and ability to use an RS engineering sheet.

· Knowledge of minimum DA/RA and SST requirements for FF/IC systems.

· Ability to identify refrigeration floor plan symbols.

· Ability to take readings of compressor parameters, compression ratios and repair deficiencies.

· Knowledge of proper material handling techniques.

· Knowledge of HVAC valve settings, preventative maintenance, how to locate leaks with a refrigerant leak detector, and report large refrigerant leaks.

· Ability to demonstrate proper PPE and safety equipment.

· Knowledge of level 2-3 experience/information.

· Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. with no assistance and be able to sit and/or stand for several hours at a time.

· Valid driver’s license.

· Good driving record.

· Ability to understand and follow all company policies and procedures and all applicable State and Federal laws.

· Ability to use typical business tools including E-Mail, Word, Excel, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

This job typically operates in convenience stores, grocery stores, food service and/or construction environment with need to work at heights from ladders and/or Scissor lifts. Mechanical rooms can have elevated noise levels. The position regularly works near/with refrigeration/HVAC equipment that can expose the workers to extreme cold from refrigerant and high heat from brazing operations. This role routinely works in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity, and exposure to dust. These conditions require employees to use the correct PPE and safe work practices.

Physical Demands

This position is very active and requires excellent stamina to perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions. Employees are regularly required to walk and stand for long periods, hear, drive, sit, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, use hands and fingers, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.


Join Us

Today, there are 27 different companies that make up the CoolSys family of brandsOur valued employees are at the heart of our continued growth and success. We invite you to be part of that growth! 

Connect with us on Facebook and X 

CoolSys is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including all ages, colors, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics are encouraged to apply.  

Pre-employment background screening (criminal and MVR for driving positions) and drug testing arerequiredfor all positions. CoolSys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with federal law, state law, or local ordinance. 

Sr, senior, Service Tech, refridgeration, HVAC, refrigeration, HVAC-R, HVAC/R, diagnostic, commercial, service, install, mechanical, mechanic, apprentice, AC, field service, chiller, specialist, HVACR, supermarket, rack systems

Qualifications:

Education / Training

· High school diploma or GED, equivalent work experience and trade or technical school classes.

· Valid EPA certificate.

Work Experience / Skills

· 3-5 year's experience in commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical required.

· Basic knowledge of refrigeration, HVAC, ice machines, gas furnaces, and electrical.

· Experience working on refrigeration equipment in convenience stores or supermarkets a strong plus.

· Knowledge and understanding of the functions for single/multipule unit systems, rack systems, parallel racks, and rack control units along with previous work and understanding on display cases and walk-in boxes.

· Strong knowledge of open circuits on a rack compressor control circuit.

· Knowledge of lock out/tag out and arc flash equipment.

· Knowledge of a case lineup with electric defrost circuits.

· Knowledge and ability to use an RS engineering sheet.

· Knowledge of minimum DA/RA and SST requirements for FF/IC systems.

· Ability to identify refrigeration floor plan symbols.

· Ability to take readings of compressor parameters, compression ratios and repair deficiencies.

· Knowledge of proper material handling techniques.

· Knowledge of HVAC valve settings, preventative maintenance, how to locate leaks with a refrigerant leak detector, and report large refrigerant leaks.

· Ability to demonstrate proper PPE and safety equipment.

· Knowledge of level 2-3 experience/information.

· Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. with no assistance and be able to sit and/or stand for several hours at a time.

· Valid driver’s license.

· Good driving record.

· Ability to understand and follow all company policies and procedures and all applicable State and Federal laws.

· Ability to use typical business tools including E-Mail, Word, Excel, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

This job typically operates in convenience stores, grocery stores, food service and/or construction environment with need to work at heights from ladders and/or Scissor lifts. Mechanical rooms can have elevated noise levels. The position regularly works near/with refrigeration/HVAC equipment that can expose the workers to extreme cold from refrigerant and high heat from brazing operations. This role routinely works in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity, and exposure to dust. These conditions require employees to use the correct PPE and safe work practices.

Physical Demands

This position is very active and requires excellent stamina to perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions. Employees are regularly required to walk and stand for long periods, hear, drive, sit, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, use hands and fingers, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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