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Pipeline System Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Pipeline System Controller information

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$96K

$107.8K

$118K

How much do pipeline system controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for pipeline system controller in the United States is $107,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need a degree to be a pipeline controller?

A degree is not always required to become a pipeline system controller, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or certifications. Relevant skills include knowledge of pipeline operations, safety procedures, and sometimes experience with control systems or SCADA technology.

What does a Pipeline System Controller do?

A Pipeline System Controller is responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow of oil, gas, or other products through pipelines. They use specialized computer systems to track pressures, flows, and equipment status, ensuring safe and efficient transport. Controllers quickly respond to alarms or unusual conditions to prevent leaks, spills, or other incidents. Their work is critical for maintaining the safety and reliability of pipeline operations.

Is pipeline controller a good career?

A pipeline system controller manages the operation and safety of pipeline networks, often working in industrial or energy sectors. The role requires technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and sometimes certifications, with employment typically involving shift work and monitoring equipment. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement in the energy and infrastructure industries.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Pipeline System Controller, high salaries reaching $300,000 annually are uncommon and typically reserved for senior roles with extensive experience, specialized skills, or management responsibilities. Most pipeline controllers earn lower wages, but those in executive or highly specialized positions within the energy or infrastructure sectors may reach or exceed this level with additional certifications and overtime. Salary levels depend on factors such as location, company size, and individual expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by Pipeline System Controllers, and how are they typically addressed?

Pipeline System Controllers often encounter challenges such as responding to unexpected operational anomalies, maintaining safe and efficient flow rates, and coordinating rapid responses to alarms or emergencies. They must remain vigilant during long shifts and be able to quickly analyze data from SCADA systems to make informed decisions. Effective communication with field technicians and other control room staff is essential to ensure issues are resolved promptly and regulatory compliance is maintained. Training, strict adherence to standard operating procedures, and ongoing drills help controllers manage these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pipeline System Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pipeline System Controller, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of pipeline operations, typically supported by a technical diploma or relevant industry experience. Familiarity with SCADA systems, leak detection software, and regulatory compliance tools is essential for monitoring and controlling pipeline activities. Exceptional problem-solving, situational awareness, and clear communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient pipeline operations and minimizing risks to people, property, and the environment.

What is the difference between Pipeline System Controller vs Pipeline Operator?

AspectPipeline System ControllerPipeline Operator
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in control systems, safety, and sometimes a high school diploma or equivalentRequires similar certifications, often including safety training and operational licenses
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with monitoring stations, but may include site visitsPrimarily on-site, operating and maintaining pipeline equipment
Industry UsageUsed in oil, gas, and utility industries for overseeing pipeline operationsInvolved in the physical operation and maintenance of pipelines in similar industries

The main difference is that Pipeline System Controllers focus on monitoring and controlling pipeline systems remotely, often from an office, while Pipeline Operators are more hands-on, managing physical operations on-site. Both roles require safety certifications and industry knowledge, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

What does a pipeline controller do?

A pipeline controller monitors and manages the operation of pipeline systems to ensure safe and efficient transportation of oil, gas, or other fluids. They oversee flow rates, respond to alarms, and coordinate maintenance activities, often using control room systems and requiring technical knowledge of pipeline operations. Certification and adherence to safety protocols are essential in this role.
What cities are hiring for Pipeline System Controller jobs? Cities with the most Pipeline System Controller job openings:
What states have the most Pipeline System Controller jobs? States with the most job openings for Pipeline System Controller jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pipeline System Controller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pipeline System Controller jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pipeline System Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,799 per year, or $51.8 per hour.
Sr Pipeline Technician (Macksville, KS)

Sr Pipeline Technician (Macksville, KS)

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Macksville, KS

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days 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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