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Compressor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Operating

Compressor Mechanic

Gaylord, MI

$21 - $31/hr

Description Seeking a qualified Compressor Mechanic - $21 to $31 per hour based on experience Compressor Mechanic provides maintenance on production equipment. They apply advanced skills, technical ...

Brehob

Industrial Air Compressor Technician

Troy, MI · On-site

Why a career as an Industrial Air Compressor Technician with Brehob? Brehob has proudly served the industry for over 70 years with leading products and best in class customer service. Competitive ...

Cranes and Compressors Inc

Be Seen First

Industrial Air Compressor Technician

Troy, MI · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Competitive Benefits: * Company paid training and internal support * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life benefits * PTO, Holiday, and Sick Pay * 401k and company matching * HSA Contributions by company

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All JobsCompressor JobsCompressor Jobs in Michigan

Compressor information

See Michigan salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do compressor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for compressor in Michigan is $26.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $33.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compressor?

Compressors are mechanical devices that increase the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. They are commonly used in a wide variety of industries, including HVAC, refrigeration, manufacturing, and automotive, to move air or gas through systems efficiently. Compressors play a crucial role in applications like powering pneumatic tools, refrigeration cycles, and even in engines. There are several types of compressors, such as reciprocating, rotary, and centrifugal, each suited for different tasks depending on the pressure and volume requirements.

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

To thrive as a Compressor Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, pressure gauges, and maintenance management software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation and maintenance of compressor equipment, which is critical for minimizing downtime and ensuring workplace safety.

What are some common challenges a compressor operator might face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Compressor Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal equipment performance, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed. Working in environments that may be noisy or require shift work can also be demanding. To address these challenges, operators should stay proactive with preventative maintenance, participate in ongoing training, and communicate closely with maintenance and safety teams. Building strong problem-solving skills and keeping up-to-date with operational procedures will also help ensure smooth workflow and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Compressor vs HVAC Technician?

AspectCompressorHVAC Technician
CertificationsRefrigeration, HVAC certifications, EPA 608HVAC certifications, EPA 608, EPA 609
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, manufacturing, refrigeration systemsResidential, commercial heating and cooling systems
Industry UsageManufacturing, refrigeration, HVAC systemsHeating, ventilation, air conditioning services
Job FocusMaintaining and repairing compressors and refrigeration unitsInstalling, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems

While both Compressor technicians and HVAC Technicians work with heating and cooling systems, compressors primarily focus on maintaining and repairing compressors and refrigeration units, often in industrial or manufacturing settings. HVAC Technicians handle a broader range of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and certifications.

What is the main job of a compressor?

A compressor's main job is to increase the pressure of gases or air by reducing their volume, often using mechanical devices such as piston or rotary compressors. This process is essential in various industries like manufacturing, HVAC, and refrigeration, where compressed air or gases are needed for operation or processing. Compressors require technical skills and safety knowledge to operate effectively and safely.
Compressor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compressor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,284 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Compressor Mechanic

Riverside Operating

Gaylord, MI

$21 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Perform maintenance, repairs, start-ups, overhauls, and preventative maintenance on natural gas compressors and engines.

  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electronic, and technical issues with Caterpillar engines and Ariel compressors, including reviewing rates, pressures, and safety systems.

  • Document maintenance activities, submit reports, and monitor production, downtime, and asset conditions.

Job description

Description

 Seeking a qualified Compressor Mechanic - $21 to $31 per hour based on experience
Compressor Mechanic provides maintenance on production equipment. They apply advanced skills, technical concepts, practices, and procedures to perform routine and complex operations using appropriate tools and equipment. They use basic knowledge of Oil and Gas industry standards and government regulations.
Must have strong mechanical aptitude, and at least 3 years experience maintaining small and large engines. Strongly prefer 1+ years oil/gas industry mechanical experience. 
This is a W2, 40+ hour position, offering competitive wages and benefits package. Working independently in our field of operations across Northern Michigan, our Compressor Mechanics are provided a company vehicle, tool allowance, company iPhone, company iPad, and company laptop. 
A reminder that this is physical, outdoor work, year-round, regardless of the weather conditions. Frequent use of tools and equipment associated with mechanical care of large compressors and small engines. You'll need your own hand tools; any specialty tools specific to work requirements will be provided by the company.


Responsible for:

  • Maintenance - repairs, start-ups, overhauls, and preventative of natural gas compressors for scheduled and unscheduled equipment inspections and maintenance. Notate findings and problems; recommend courses of action to Supervisors, decreasing costs and increasing production. 
  • Troubleshooting - Caterpillar engines (G300, G3500, G3400) and Ariel reciprocating compressors and rotary screw compressors - mechanical, electronic and technical. Review rates and pressures; make necessary adjustments; monitor chemical use; and test safety systems to maximize daily production
  • Documenting - submit accurate maintenance reports and other necessary paperwork. Gauge production on assigned assets, downtime, and other pertinent information. 
  • Following - company, federal, state, vehicle, health, safety, environmental policies, laws and procedures. Perform work that ensures secure and environmentally safe operation. Driving a company issued pick-up truck, approximately 150 miles per day.
  • Supportive Personality - demonstrates cooperative behavior with coworkers, working closely with Measurement, Operations, Pipeline, and Building departments. A flexible and self-motivated Compressor Mechanic takes initiative, conducts relevant tasks under minimal supervision, and is proudly responsible for their assigned assets.
  • Equipment used - use multiple hand tools, shovels, rakes, pipe cutters, cutting torch, pipe threader, winch and other oilfield equipment as applicable. operate other moving equipment as required by Riverside or other designated Company officials
  • Training - this position requires job-related training with respect to maintenance work, operating procedures and safety. In addition to other training, Compressor Mechanics attend a significant amount of specialized safety training; Chemical, H2S, Confined Space, Defensive Driving, etc.

Requirements

Requirements

  • Strong ethics and reliable attendance 
  • Must be self-motivated to consistently maintain facilities and flexible to perform discrete project goals safely and in a timely fashion. 
  • Agreeable to be on call-out rotations; respond to emergency maintenance calls - travel is only within northern Michigan
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment screenings: background, Motor Vehicle Record, drug, and physical; able to pass ongoing drug screenings (post incident, randoms, and probable cause)
  • Subject to applicable US Department of Transportation regulations and ability to meet state and federal regulations governing vehicle operations (chauffeurs license, DOT Medical Exam for Commercial Motor Vehicle)
  • Must be able to obtain and keep a DOT medical card (regular DOT physicals) 
  • MUST have valid chauffeur driver license (can obtain post offer) 
  • Provide own hand tools up to 1 1/4"
  • Required to live within a 20-to-60-mile radius of assigned reporting stations.
  • Must have technology and computer skills; ability to be proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to utilize iPhone or iPad apps

Physical / Exposure 

  • Rare-to-frequent exposure to dampness, noise, dust, radiation, heights, fumes, winds, ice, chemicals, escaping gas, H2S, adverse/extreme weather conditions (hot and cold), cramped conditions
  • Riverside trains for confined space, hazmat and lock out tag out
  • Assistance provided via crane or co-workers for large/heavy items
  • Need manual and finger dexterity; hand/grip strength; depth perception
  • Safety equipment - this is a safety sensitive position; proper PPE is required
  • Outdoors 90% (Northern Michigan weather conditions)
  • Physicality can vary day to day - Standing 40%; Walking 40%; Driving/Sitting 20%; frequent squatting/kneeling/climbing; lift/carry/push/pull 0-50lbs frequently; occasional 75-100lb lift/carry/push/pull; frequently reach above/at/below shoulder 

Schedule

  • Work schedule - 5 & 2 schedule - Monday - Friday generally 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
  • Call out rotation - typically 1 week on call, every 4 weeks (including weekend/evening/overnight call outs) 
  • Meals - Unpaid 30 minutes, generally taken between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, or when most appropriately and safely to do so

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Company provided: goggles / face shields / safety glasses (stipend for prescription safety glasses); hard hats; Tyvek suits; respirators; slicker suit; H2S monitors; fall protection; hearing protection 
  • Employee provided: safety toed boots (company provides annual stipend); work gloves; flame resistant clothing (company provides 3 shirts and 3 pants)

Benefits: 

  • Company paid: Retirement matching; Employee assistance program; Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability; paid Holiday/Sick/Vacation/Bereavement/Jury leave
  • Employee paid: 401k/Roth; Medical (3 plans - Riverside pays 60% to 100% of monthly premium - Employee is responsible for 0% to 40% based on plan elected and # of people on plan); Dental (2 plans); Vision; Life (term and whole); AD&D; Long Term Disability; Critical Illness; Spending Accounts FSA, HSA, DC FSA; Legal Shield and/or ID Shield
  • Potential discretionary bonuses and merit increases (performance based)

Reports to: Compression Supervisor 

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