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Natural Gas Compressor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Perform advanced pipe stress analyses for aboveground natural gas and auxiliary piping systems ... Blowoff assemblies * Compressor or storage facility piping * Gas transmission & distribution ...

Divert's Integrated Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Plant receives unsold food from clients, analyzes ... Compressor experience. * 2-year technical degree, associate's degree in Industrial Maintenance or a ...

Divert's Integrated Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Plant receives unsold food from clients, analyzes ... Compressor experience. * 2-year technical degree, associates degree in Industrial Maintenance or a ...

Divert's Integrated Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Plant receives unsold food from clients, analyzes ... Compressor experience. * 2-year technical degree, associate's degree in Industrial Maintenance or a ...

Senior Controls Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$113 - $169/hr

... natural gas compressors, and methane emissions reduction systems. Primary deliverables include ... gas turbine-powered compressor sets, mechanical drive packages, and generator sets. Solar ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Natural Gas Compressor information

See California salary details

$15

$30

$46

How much do natural gas compressor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for natural 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 natural gas compressor?

A natural gas compressor is a machine or equipment used to increase the pressure of natural gas by reducing its volume. Compressors are essential in the natural gas industry for transporting gas through pipelines over long distances, as higher pressure is needed to move the gas efficiently. They play a critical role in gas processing plants, pipeline transmission, and storage facilities. Natural gas compressors come in various types, such as reciprocating, centrifugal, and rotary screw, each suited for different applications.

What is a natural gas compressor operator?

Working as a natural gas compressor, you are a technician that handles equipment related to natural gas. Your responsibilities include installing, maintaining, and repairing gas lines. You operate a compressor station, using its controls to adjust the mechanical components of gas transmitters. Other duties include interpreting schematic drawings, completing ignition analysis, and monitoring equipment conditions to ensure they remain safe. You also readjust the volume of gas inside of lines to provide smooth transportation. There are no freelance positions in this line of work. You work for a company, either in-house for larger corporations or as a third party with various agencies.

What does a natural gas compressor operator do?

As a Natural Gas Compressor operator, your daily responsibilities include monitoring and controlling compressor stations to ensure the safe and efficient movement of natural gas through pipelines. This involves inspecting equipment, recording operational data, performing routine maintenance, and responding quickly to any alarms or irregularities. You'll also collaborate closely with maintenance teams and control room personnel to address technical issues and uphold safety standards. Attention to detail and strong troubleshooting skills are key to succeeding in this role.

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

To thrive as a Natural Gas Compressor Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, basic knowledge of gas compression systems, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional technical training often preferred. Familiarity with SCADA systems, gas measurement instruments, and routine maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and work safely with team members. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable compressor station operations in the natural gas industry.

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

AspectNatural Gas CompressorGas Plant Operator
Primary RoleOperates and maintains compressor equipment to move natural gas through pipelinesManages overall operations of a gas processing plant, including compression, separation, and treatment
CertificationsMay require compressor-specific certifications and safety trainingRequires certifications in plant operations and safety standards
Work EnvironmentField-based, often outdoors, working near pipelines and compressor stationsIndoor and outdoor plant environments, overseeing multiple systems
Industry UsageEssential for pipeline transportation of natural gasOversees entire gas processing facilities, including compression systems

While both roles involve working with natural gas infrastructure, a Natural Gas Compressor focuses specifically on operating compressor equipment to facilitate gas flow, whereas a Gas Plant Operator manages the broader operations of a gas processing plant, including compression, separation, and treatment processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Natural Gas Compressor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Natural Gas Compressor jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Natural Gas Compressor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Natural Gas Compressor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Natural Gas Compressor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Natural Gas Compressor job openings:

Infographic showing various Natural Gas Compressor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,598 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Sr. Pipeline Stress Engineer

NV5

San Diego, CA • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Pipeline Stress Engineer to support the engineering, analysis, and design of aboveground natural gas and auxiliary piping systems. The successful candidate will serve as a technical subject matter expert responsible for performing complex pipe stress analyses, evaluating piping system performance under various loading conditions, and ensuring compliance with applicable industry codes and standards.

This position requires hands-on engineering expertise and direct involvement in analysis, calculations, design development, and technical decision-making. Candidates whose experience is primarily limited to project management, supervision, or administrative oversight without demonstrated technical execution will not be considered.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

  • Perform advanced pipe stress analyses for aboveground natural gas and auxiliary piping systems.
  • Develop and analyze piping models using CAESAR II software.
  • Evaluate piping systems for thermal, pressure, seismic, wind, operational, settlement, and environmental loading conditions.
  • Assess piping flexibility, support requirements, expansion stresses, and equipment nozzle loads.
  • Prepare engineering calculations, technical evaluations, and design recommendations.
  • Support the design of safe, reliable, and code-compliant gas transmission, distribution, and storage infrastructure.
  • Ensure designs comply with applicable industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide technical reviews of piping layouts, isometrics, and construction drawings.
  • Identify and recommend cost-effective design improvements while maintaining system integrity and safety.
  • Support interdisciplinary coordination with civil, structural, mechanical, and pipeline engineering teams.
  • Participate in design reviews, hazard assessments, and constructability evaluations.
  • Provide technical support during procurement, construction, and commissioning phases as required.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline.
  • Active CA Professional Engineer (PE) license required. PE licensure in additional states preferred.
  • 10+ years of relevant pipeline or piping engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated experience performing pipe stress analysis for natural gas facilities and pipeline infrastructure.
  • Direct experience supporting engineering design and analysis of:
    • Facility piping systems
    • Meter Set Assemblies (MSAs)
    • Regulator stations
    • Pipeline bridge crossings
    • Blowoff assemblies
    • Compressor or storage facility piping
    • Gas transmission & distribution infrastructure
  • Experience with utility, gas transmission, or energy infrastructure projects.
  • Proficiency with CAESAR II pipe stress modeling software required.
  • Strong understanding of piping flexibility and stress analysis principles.
  • Experience interpreting and applying applicable pipeline and piping design codes and standards.
  • Experience preparing engineering calculations, technical reports, and design documentation.

The pay range for this California position is $130,000 - $160,000.00 annually however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: NV5 Inc does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than passive & active candidates and employee referrals. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to NV5 or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by NV5's internal Talent Acquisition team seeking 3rd party sourcing assistance. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement and given permission to represent NV5 to candidates on a particular search, NV5 will not owe any referral or other fees with respect to the unsolicited submission.

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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US