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Compressor Station Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Tcenergy

Compression Engineer

Duluth, MN · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

Provide support to Operations on day-to-day issues at assigned compressor stations * Conduct root ... operator qualification (OQ) programs * Be actively involved with the process safety, practice of ...

NAES

Plant Engineer

Faribault, MN · On-site

Minnesota River Station, located in Chaska, Minnesota, sits on a seven-acre site along the ... Track operating costs, manage critical spare parts inventory, and recommend improvements to reduce ...

NAES Corporation

Plant Engineer

Faribault, MN · On-site

Minnesota River Station, located in Chaska, Minnesota, sits on a seven-acre site along the ... Track operating costs, manage critical spare parts inventory, and recommend improvements to reduce ...

NAES Corporation

Plant Engineer

Faribault, MN

Minnesota River Station, located in Chaska, Minnesota, sits on a seven-acre site along the ... Track operating costs, manage critical spare parts inventory, and recommend improvements to reduce ...

All JobsCompressor Station Operator JobsCompressor Station Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Compressor Station Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$5

$36

How much do compressor station operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for compressor station operator in Minnesota is $34.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.50 and $35.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Compressor Station Operator Do?

A compressor station operator, also referred to as a gas compressor operator or gas pumping station operator, operates compressor engines involved in the compression and processing of natural gas. In this career, you perform maintenance on the compressor engine, ensuring each pump and valve is running correctly. Your duties include conducting an inspection of the compressor on a routine basis and maintaining detailed records of your work. You work in the energy industry and are responsible for the effective flow of natural gas. Other responsibilities include conducting housekeeping on dehydration systems and plant support systems.

What does a Compressor Station Operator do?

A Compressor Station Operator is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining equipment that compresses natural gas as it travels through pipelines. They ensure that gas flows efficiently and safely, making adjustments as needed to pressure and flow rates. Operators also perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and maintain records of operation and maintenance activities. Their work is essential for the safe and reliable transmission of natural gas over long distances.

What are some typical challenges a Compressor Station Operator might face during daily operations, and how are they addressed?

Compressor Station Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, fluctuating gas pressures, and maintaining safety standards in high-pressure environments. Troubleshooting mechanical issues quickly and efficiently is crucial to minimize downtime and ensure continuous gas flow. Operators also must remain vigilant about safety protocols, regularly inspect equipment, and collaborate closely with maintenance teams and control room staff to address issues promptly. Ongoing training and adherence to strict procedures help operators handle these challenges effectively.

What does a compressor station do?

A compressor station is a facility that compresses natural gas to maintain pressure and facilitate its transportation through pipelines. Compressor station operators monitor equipment, perform maintenance, and ensure safe, efficient operation of the compressors and related systems. They often work with control systems and may need certifications in safety and technical skills.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Compressor station operators typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their salaries usually range from $60,000 to $100,000 annually. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2,000 daily often include specialized roles such as senior engineers, project managers, or executive positions in energy or industrial sectors, which may require advanced certifications, experience, and working in demanding environments. These roles often involve significant responsibility and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compressor Station Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compressor Station Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, safety procedures, and process controls, often gained through technical training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, gas measurement devices, and maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and coordinate with team members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of natural gas compressor stations.

What is the difference between Compressor Station Operator vs Gas Plant Operator?

AspectCompressor Station OperatorGas Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in equipment operationHigh school diploma, certifications in plant operations
Work EnvironmentCompressor stations along pipelines, outdoor and industrial settingsGas processing plants, industrial facilities, outdoor and indoor environments
Industry UsagePrimarily in natural gas transmissionIn natural gas processing and refining
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Compressor Station Operators focus on maintaining and operating compressor equipment along pipelines, primarily in natural gas transmission. Gas Plant Operators work in processing facilities, managing gas purification and processing. While both roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor industrial environments, their primary functions and industry applications differ.

What is a compressor station operator?

A compressor station operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling equipment that compresses natural gas to maintain pressure and flow in pipelines. They perform inspections, troubleshoot machinery, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often working in shifts and requiring technical skills and certifications. Their role is essential for the efficient and safe transportation of natural gas.

How much do oilfield compressor mechanics make?

Oilfield compressor mechanics, who operate and maintain gas compression equipment, typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Experienced mechanics with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, especially in remote or high-demand areas.
More about Compressor Station Operator jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Compressor Station Operator jobs in MN? For Compressor Station Operator jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Compressor Station Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compressor Station Operator job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,734 per year, or $34 per hour.
Sr Pipeline Technician (North Branch, MN)

Sr Pipeline Technician (North Branch, MN)

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Harris, MN • On-site

$26.70 - $42.61/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
Northern Natural Gas offers a knowledge-based compensation program called Skill-Based Pay. Skill-Based Pay is a system that rewards employees for acquiring, demonstrating and maintaining work skills. In addition, Northern Natural Gas offers an annual discretionary incentive bonus up to 10.5%, based on individual and company performance.
The goal of Skill-Based Pay is to ensure Northern Natural Gas has a qualified, versatile workforce that produces an extremely competitive product where needed in varying business, regulatory and operational climates. Employees are paid according to the skills demonstrated as well as the tasks performed.
In this system, Northern Natural Gas rewards personal initiative and pays for skills, rather than seniority. With a broader base of skills, employees can tackle new problems better and faster. Employees develop a wider view of the work at Northern Natural Gas and more fully understands the impact their decisions have at their work sites and for the entire company.
Ready to learn more about the role of a Pipeline Technician?
Pipeline Techs are multi-skilled employees who perform highly technical work within a geographical area on the largest interstate natural gas pipeline system in the United States. Positions will specialize in one or more of the following technical skills:
  • Controls - Install, maintain and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers, human machine interfaces, motor control centers, and medium and low voltage power distribution and pneumatic control devices utilized in pipeline operations.
  • Measurement - Program, maintain, operate and troubleshoot gas measurement equipment including gas meters, control valves, relief valves, regulators and associated software, as well as monitoring gas and quality control equipment.
  • Corrosion - Install, maintain and troubleshoot corrosion protection equipment to ensure pipeline integrity. NACE CP1 Tester certification is preferred.
  • Mechanical - Install, maintain, troubleshoot, overhaul and repair rotating and reciprocating compression equipment.
  • Liquified Natural Gas Operations - Ensure reliable operation and maintenance of processes required to make liquefied natural gas.
  • Underground Storage Operations - Ensure reliable operation and maintenance of processes required to store and deliver natural gas from underground reservoirs.
  • Compressor Station Operations - Ensure reliable operation of compressor station equipment.
  • Pipeline - Perform pigging operations, damage prevention measures and pipeline right of way maintenance.
  • Equipment Operation - Transport, inspect, maintain and operate various mobile heavy equipment including backhoes, boom trucks, semi-trucks, dump trucks, excavators, skid loaders, etc. Additional endorsements for hazmat and liquefied natural gas transportation are available.
  • Welding - Pipeline welders must be qualified in API 1104 and ASME standards to weld on natural gas pipelines. Structural welders must be qualified in AWS standards.
  • Environmental - Maintain environmental standards, environmental activities and regulatory compliance for assigned locations.

Responsibilities
  • Assist in performing scheduled preventative maintenance on operational equipment at assigned facility.
  • Recognizes abnormal operating conditions.
  • Supports emergency response.
  • Locate pipelines and oversee third-party excavation and line crossings. Install and inspect pipeline markers.
  • Operate work equipment including but not limited to power tools, hand tools, and specialized instruments used in pipeline operations, maintenance, and repair of facilities.
  • Maintain and operate facilities in compliance with specifications, codes, safety and environmental standards/records and company operating procedures.
  • Assist in maintaining records pursuant to required state, federal, and company procedures.
  • Review work assignments with the team to ensure work is completed with established safe work practices and reporting.
  • Contribute to a team-centric work environment based on mutual respect and integrity.
  • Support the Company's CHAMPION culture, which centers around personal responsibility, continuous improvement and delivering quality for our customers.

Qualifications
  • An Associate of Applied Science degree in a technical specialization is preferred. Ideal degrees include Associate of Applied Science in aviation maintenance, diesel, natural gas, compression, instrumentation, controls, electrical, electro-mechanical or corrosion.
  • A comparable undergraduate degree with a technical specialization certification is applicable. Typically four to six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess the education requirements.
  • Successful completion of Pipeline Technician Academy and/or achievement of at least one skill-block.
  • Must have a valid driver's license. Work schedules may vary with some positions requiring overtime and overnight stays away from home, on-call and rotating schedules and availability for emergency response call out 24 hours per day.
  • Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

About Us
BHE Pipeline Group consists of Berkshire Hathaway Energy's interstate natural gas pipeline companies, BHE GT&S, Kern River Gas Transmission Company and Northern Natural Gas Company. Combined, BHE Pipeline Group operates approximately 21,200 miles of pipeline with a design capacity of approximately 21.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, owns assets in 27 states and is an industry leader in natural gas transportation. BHE Pipeline Group also operates 22 natural gas storage facilities with a total working gas capacity of 515.6 billion cubic feet and a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility.
About the Team
Northern Natural Gas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

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