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Gas Compressor Mechanic Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Gas Compressor Mechanic information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$25

$35

How much do gas compressor mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for gas compressor mechanic in Iowa is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do oilfield compressor mechanics make?

Oilfield compressor mechanics typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled mechanics with specialized knowledge of compressor systems and safety protocols can earn higher wages, especially in remote or high-demand areas.

What are some common challenges Gas Compressor Mechanics face in troubleshooting equipment issues?

Gas Compressor Mechanics often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex mechanical or electrical faults that may not have obvious symptoms. Working in high-pressure environments, they must carefully follow safety protocols while inspecting and repairing equipment. Additionally, they sometimes need to respond quickly to unexpected breakdowns, which requires thorough knowledge of various compressor models and strong problem-solving skills. Team collaboration with operators and engineers is essential to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.

What are gas compressor mechanics?

Gas compressor mechanics are skilled technicians who install, maintain, and repair gas compressors and related equipment used in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and utilities. Their work involves diagnosing mechanical problems, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring compressors operate safely and efficiently. They may work on various types of compressors, including reciprocating, rotary, and centrifugal models, and must be knowledgeable about mechanical, electrical, and sometimes electronic systems. Safety is a significant aspect of their job, as they often work with high-pressure gases and complex machinery.

What is a gas compressor mechanic?

A gas compressor mechanic is a skilled tradesperson who installs, maintains, and repairs gas compression equipment used in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and manufacturing. They often work with high-pressure systems, use diagnostic tools, and require technical certifications to ensure safety and efficiency.

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

To thrive as a Gas Compressor Mechanic, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of gas compressor systems, and typically a relevant technical diploma or apprenticeship. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, vibration analyzers, and maintenance management systems is commonly required, along with certifications such as OSHA safety training. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure reliable equipment operation, minimize downtime, and maintain workplace safety in industrial environments.

What is the difference between Gas Compressor Mechanic vs Gas Plant Technician?

AspectGas Compressor MechanicGas Plant Technician
CertificationsHVAC, mechanical, or specialized compressor certificationsProcess technology, instrumentation, or plant operation certifications
Work EnvironmentRefineries, natural gas processing plants, industrial sitesGas processing facilities, pipelines, and plant operations
Job FocusMaintaining and repairing gas compressors and related equipmentMonitoring plant operations, troubleshooting, and ensuring safety

Gas Compressor Mechanics primarily focus on maintaining and repairing gas compressors, requiring mechanical skills and specialized certifications. Gas Plant Technicians oversee overall plant operations, including monitoring systems and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in the natural gas industry but differ in scope and daily tasks.

What is the highest paying mechanic job?

The highest paying mechanic jobs are often specialized roles such as aircraft, industrial machinery, or gas compressor mechanics, with industrial and gas compressor mechanics typically earning higher wages due to the technical skills and safety requirements involved. Experience, certifications, and working in remote or hazardous environments can also increase earning potential for these roles.

How much does a natural gas compressor mechanic make in Texas?

A natural gas compressor mechanic in Texas typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment. Overtime, union benefits, and specialized skills can increase earning potential in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Gas Compressor Mechanic jobs in Iowa? For Gas Compressor Mechanic jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Gas Compressor Mechanic job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,355 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Sr Pipeline Technician (Redfield, IA)

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Redfield, IA

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours 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

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.
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.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.
  • 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. 
  • 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.

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