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Gas Compressor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$51.92 - $87.50/hr

... gas services, three PG&E-owned storage facilities with 102 BCF capacity, nine compressor stations with 175K HP, and 5,000 measurement and control facilities. Gas Operations is comprised of ...

A&P Mechanic

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

A&P Mechanic for turbine compressor washes. Responsible for performing gas path cleaning process of commercial and military turbine engines using Lufthansa proprietary equipment. Must have Valid A&P ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$111K - $145K/yr

Upwing Energy is developing and commercializing first-of-their-kind Subsurface Compressor Systems (SCS) for natural gas extraction. Our development efforts combine exciting engineering challenges in ...

We have an immediate job opening and need to find a Field Service Engineering with experience in Industrial Maintenance preferrably on Large Gas and or Air Compressor systems. If you are willing to ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Cerritos, CA

$111K - $145K/yr

Upwing Energy is developing and commercializing first-of-their-kind Subsurface Compressor Systems (SCS) for natural gas extraction. Our development efforts combine exciting engineering challenges in ...

We have an immediate job opening and need to find a Field Service Engineering with experience in Industrial Maintenance preferrably on Large Gas and or Air Compressor systems. If you are willing to ...

Project Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Electrical/Gas Substation, Compressor, Transmission, Distribution, or Civil projects. * Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex, cross-functional initiatives with minimal oversight.

Compressor or storage facility piping * Gas transmission & distribution infrastructure * Experience with utility, gas transmission, or energy infrastructure projects. * Proficiency with CAESAR II ...

Compressor or storage facility piping * Gas transmission & distribution infrastructure * Experience with utility, gas transmission, or energy infrastructure projects. * Proficiency with CAESAR II ...

Project Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105 - $130/hr

Electrical/Gas Substation, Compressor, Transmission, Distribution, or Civil projects. * Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex, cross-functional initiatives with minimal oversight.

Showing results 41-60

Gas Compressor information

See California salary details

$15

$30

$46

How much do gas compressor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for gas compressor in California is $30.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $38.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a gas compressor?

Gas compressors are machines or mechanical devices that increase the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. They are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and refrigeration to transport gases through pipelines, power pneumatic tools, or support chemical processes. Gas compressors operate with various mechanisms, including reciprocating pistons, rotary screws, or centrifugal force, depending on the application and required pressure. Their maintenance and operation are vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliable gas delivery in industrial settings.

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

To thrive as a Gas Compressor Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, basic electrical knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, pressure gauges, and industry safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of gas compression equipment, minimizing downtime and preventing hazardous incidents.

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

Gas compressor operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, pressure fluctuations, and maintaining consistent gas flow rates. These challenges require strong troubleshooting skills, quick decision-making, and thorough knowledge of safety protocols. Working closely with maintenance teams and following regular inspection schedules can help prevent issues, while clear communication with control room staff ensures rapid response to anomalies. Continuous training and staying updated on industry best practices also contribute to more effective problem-solving in the field.

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

AspectGas CompressorGas Plant Operator
Primary RoleMaintains and operates gas compression equipment to increase gas pressure for transportation or processing.Oversees entire gas processing plant operations, including compression, separation, and treatment processes.
CertificationsTypically requires technical certifications in mechanical or process operations.Requires certifications in plant operations, safety, and sometimes specific process technologies.
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, often outdoors, focused on compression units.Processing plants, control rooms, and outdoor sites overseeing multiple systems.
Industry UsageCommonly used in natural gas transmission and processing industries.Used across natural gas processing facilities and energy companies.

While both roles operate within the natural gas industry, a Gas Compressor specializes in maintaining compression equipment, whereas a Gas Plant Operator manages entire processing operations. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Gas Compressor jobs in California?

For Gas Compressor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Gas Compressor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,598 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Senior Welding Qualification Specialist

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Fresno, CA • On-site

$51.92 - $87.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID # 173941
Job Category: Human Resources
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Business Unit: Energy Delivery
Work Type: Onsite
Job Location: Fresno; Alameda; Alta; American Canyon; Angels Camp; Antioch; Auberry; Auburn; Avenal; Avila Beach; Bakersfield; Balch Camp; Bay Point; Bear Valley; Belden; Bellota; Belmont; Benicia; Berkeley; Brentwood; Brisbane; Buellton; Burney; Buttonwillow; Calistoga; Campbell; Canyon Dam; Canyondam; Capitola; Caruthers; Chico; Clearlake; Clovis; Coalinga; Colusa; Concord; Concord; Corcoran; Cottonwood; Cupertino; Daly City; Danville; Davis; Dinuba; Downieville; Dublin; Emeryville; Eureka; Fairfield; Folsom; Fort Bragg; Fortuna; Fremont; French Camp; Fulton; Garberville; Geyserville; Gilroy; Goodyear; Grass Valley; Guerneville; Half Moon Bay; Hayward; Hinkley; Hollister; Holt; Houston; Huron; Jackson; Kerman; King City; Lakeport; Lemoore; Lincoln; Linden; Livermore; Lodi; Loomis; Los Banos; Lower Lake; Madera; Magalia; Manteca; Manton; Mariposa; Martell; Marysville; Maxwell; Menlo Park; Merced; Meridian; Millbrae; Milpitas; Modesto; Monterey; Montgomery Creek; Morgan Hill; Morro Bay; Moss Landing; Mountain View; Napa; Needles; Newark; Newman; Novato; Oakdale; Oakhurst; Oakland; Oakley; Olema; Orinda; Orland; Oroville; Palo Alto; Palo Cedro; Paradise; Parkwood; Paso Robles; Petaluma; Pioneer; Pismo Beach; Pittsburg; Placerville; Pleasant Hill; Pleasanton; Point Arena; Potter Valley; Quincy; Rancho Cordova; Red Bluff; Redding; Richmond; Ridgecrest; Rio Vista; Rocklin; Roseville; Round Mountain; Sacramento; Salida; Salinas; San Bruno; San Carlos; San Francisco; San Francisco; San Jose; San Luis Obispo; San Mateo; San Rafael; San Ramon; San Ramon; Sanger; Santa Cruz; Santa Maria; Santa Nella; Santa Rosa; Selma; Shaver Lake; Sonoma; Sonora; South San Francisco; Springville; Stockton; Storrie; Taft; Tracy; Turlock; Twain; Ukiah; Vacaville; Vallejo; Walnut Creek; Wasco; Washington; Washington D.C.; Watsonville; West Sacramento; Wheatland; Whitmore; Willits; Willow Creek; Willows; Windsor; Winters; Woodland; Yuba City
Department Overview
Gas Operations oversees the natural gas transmission and distribution operations. The team maintains and operates 6,700 miles of gas transmission pipeline, 43,000 miles of distribution main, 3.6 million gas services, three PG&E-owned storage facilities with 102 BCF capacity, nine compressor stations with 175K HP, and 5,000 measurement and control facilities. Gas Operations is comprised of approximately 6,000 coworkers.
Position Summary
Facilitates and administers various written and computer-based qualification tests and field observations to determine employees' welding knowledge, skills and abilities, ensuring and promoting skill competence and overall public and employee safety. Validates whether employees are performing welding job functions correctly and safely per Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49.192 (N) and 49.192 (E).
PG&E is providing the hourly rate range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job. The actual hourly rate paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, and internal equity. Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors.
The hourly rate for this position ranges from $51.92 to $87.50
Job Responsibilities
  • Independently performs and administers written or computer-based qualification tests and field observations of knowledge, skills and ability.
  • Conducts visual inspections and/or evaluations to validate the technical quality of work and compliance with regulatory requirements. Work involves cutting, grinding and use of hydraulic press to perform destructive testing of welds.
  • Prepares employees for the entire qualification process through effective communication and tail boarding. Ensures employees understand the purpose and process.
  • Directly communicates with the employee's supervisor regarding employees' testing progress.
  • Addresses gaps and issues identified to ensure continuous improvement for the operation qualification (OQ) process
  • Fully understands and ensures the evaluation/qualification processes are followed and qualification records are maintained in compliance with qualification program requirements.
  • Contributes to the enhancement of new evaluation/qualification tests and processes.
  • Collaborates with stakeholder groups to ensure appropriate process/asset recommendations are being implemented and maintained.

Qualifications
Minimum:
  • High School or GED-General Educational Development-GED Diploma
  • Experience as Welder, journey-level, 5 yrs
  • CA Class C License, or equivalent
  • Ability to travel up to 80 percent of working time
  • Ability to travel overnight
  • Ability to lift up to 80lbs
  • Ability to use hydraulic press to perform destructive testing of welds.

Desired:
  • Bachelors Degree in Engineering or job-related discipline or equivalent experience
  • Experience as Welder, journey-level, 7 yrs
  • Experience as a main line Welder
  • AWS-American Welding Society CWI-Certified Welding Inspector certification
  • CompTIA-Computing Technology Industry Association CTT-Certified Technical Trainer certification
  • Record of American Welding Society (AWS) Destructive Testing course completion

Purpose, Virtues and Stands
Our Purpose explains "why" we exist:
  • Delivering for our hometowns
  • Serving our planet
  • Leading with love

Our Virtues capture "who" we need to be:
  • Trustworthy
  • Empathetic
  • Curious
  • Tenacious
  • Nimble
  • Owners

Our Stands are "what" we will achieve together:
  • Everyone and everything is always safe
  • Catastrophic wildfires shall stop
  • It is enjoyable to work with and for PG&E
  • Clean and resilient energy for all
  • Our work shall create prosperity for all customers and investors

More About Our Company
EEO
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that actively pursues and hires a workforce that reflects the hometowns we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability status, medical condition, protected veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the job.
Employee Privacy Notice The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) goes into effect on January 1, 2020. CCPA grants new and far-reaching privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information PG&E collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed through the following link: Employee Privacy Notice
PG&E will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in a manner consistent with all state and local laws.

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