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Gas Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do gas operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for gas operator in California is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a gas operator do?

A Gas Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the flow and distribution of natural gas or other gases through pipelines and related infrastructure. They operate equipment, perform routine inspections, and respond to emergencies or leaks to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Gas Operators also maintain records, perform basic maintenance, and communicate with other team members and regulatory agencies to ensure uninterrupted and safe gas delivery.

What is the difference between Gas Operator vs Gas Technician?

AspectGas OperatorGas Technician
CertificationsTypically requires a valid gas operation license or certificationOften requires specialized technical certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving monitoring and operating gas equipmentTechnical work including maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in energy, utility, and pipeline companiesFound in utility companies, contractors, and maintenance firms
Job FocusOperating and controlling gas flow and equipmentMaintaining, repairing, and inspecting gas systems

While both roles involve working with gas systems, Gas Operators primarily focus on operating and monitoring gas equipment, whereas Gas Technicians handle maintenance and repairs. The certifications and work environments overlap, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

How much do gas operators make?

Gas operators typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in environments requiring knowledge of safety protocols and equipment operation, with some roles offering overtime or shift differentials.

How to become a gas operator?

To become a gas operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical certification in gas operations. Relevant skills include understanding safety protocols, operating specialized equipment, and sometimes obtaining a commercial driver's license or industry-specific certifications. Experience in the energy or utility sector can also be beneficial.

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

Gas Operators often face challenges such as responding quickly to system alarms, managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, and maintaining safety protocols in potentially hazardous environments. Staying vigilant, following established safety procedures, and communicating effectively with team members are crucial for handling these situations. Many companies provide ongoing training and emphasize teamwork to ensure operators are well-prepared to address issues as they arise, helping to maintain safe and efficient operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a gas operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gas Operator, you need a solid understanding of gas distribution systems, safety protocols, and mechanical operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with SCADA systems, leak detection equipment, and industry certifications like Operator Qualification (OQ) is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help operators respond efficiently to emergencies and routine issues. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safe, reliable gas service and preventing hazardous incidents.
What are popular job titles related to Gas Operator jobs in California? For Gas Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Gas Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Gas Operator jobs in California are:
Gas Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gas Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,191 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Gas Transmission & Distribution Supervisor

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$218K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Requisition ID # 173675
Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations
Job Level: Supervisor
Business Unit: Energy Delivery
Work Type: Onsite
Job Location: San Rafael
Department Overview
Gas Transmission & Distribution oversees the natural gas transmission and distribution. 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 Transmission & Distribution includes approximately 6,000 coworkers.
Position Summary
Manages teams directly or indirectly involved in operations & maintenance of the gas transmission and distribution system including completing all unplanned, emergent work and all mandated program work. Oversees personnel performing maintenance work, short-cycle construction work, I&R activities and all mandated programs.
This position is a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening.
PG&E is providing the salary 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 salary 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.
A reasonable salary range is:
Bay Area Minimum: $128,000
Bay Area Maximum: $218,000
Job Responsibilities
  • DOT-Emergency Response Only
  • Communicates business goals and objectives to the work group and holds all accountable to same.
  • Completes and maintains all work documentation and/or reporting.(seems a lot like last bullet)
  • Develops the business knowledge and technical skills of all field employees. Fosters teamwork within work group and across all company functions.
  • Ensures all associated paperwork and work packages are accurate.
  • Ensures compliance of: 1) leak grading and 2) L&M & Leak Survey tools and equipment as required by the CPUC.
  • Ensures mandated compliance dates and regulations are met
  • Ensures that customers' needs and expectations are met; ensures clear, professional, proactive communication with customers.
  • Ensures that work is executed safely including personal and public safety metrics
  • Ensures work is executed within scope, schedule and cost expectations
  • Facilitates weekly team meetings/tailboards and adjunct training as needed.
  • Fully implements and holds subordinates accountable for safety best practices and adherence to the safety accountability model. Ensures full compliance with the Injury & Illness Prevention Program, working closely with area Safety Program Coordinators.
  • Identifies and pursues productivity improvements and implements work practices to reduce operating costs while meeting corporate and regulatory compliance.
  • Leads root-cause investigations on all PG&E at-fault dig-ins and/or reportable events.
  • Manages a team a team of gas craft employees, ensuring compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements and alignment with company values.
  • Manages a team of union represented employees
  • Manages emergency responses to all requests including equipment maintenance, ensuring employees respond in a timely manner and provide total quality service.
  • Monitors compliance to standards and specifications, to achieve high quality work the first time done. Develops action plans to address deficiencies in process or employee skill/knowledge and tracks the progress of those plans.
  • Monitors the Gas Operator Qualification (OQ) Program and ensures compliance. Maintains craft qualification records for employees, such as welding and plastic fusion as required by CPUC.
  • Oversees both projects and 2nd party contracting within the area of responsibility
  • Reviews all department maintenance documents for accuracy and completeness prior to filing for future reference or for audit purposes.
  • Reviews leak investigation documents and leak survey maps for accuracy and completeness.
  • Serves customers by providing timely completion of gas maintenance, gas construction, transmission & regulatory work, and or gas damage control.

Qualifications
Minimum:
  • High School or GED-General Educational Development-GED Diploma
  • 5 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience may include exposure to utility, maintenance, construction, operations, logistics or service planning work.
  • CA Class C License, or equivalent
  • Ability to travel using personal vehicle
  • Ability to work on-call rotation
  • Ability to pass federally mandated random drug and alcohol testing

Desired:
  • Bachelors Degree in Business Administration or job-related discipline or equivalent experience
  • Leadership experience, non-represented employees
  • Experience in customer service
  • Leadership experience, job-related
  • Experience in gas utility

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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