There was an error. Please try again.
This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.
Control Room Operator, Gas Compressor Operator, Maintenance Personnel, Pipeline Maintenance Worker, Pipeline Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties vary from one employer to another. In general, gas pipeline operators and maintenance workers operate pipelines. Different types of operators perform different types of duties.
Gas compressor operators monitor compressor and metering equipment and maintain station areas. Gas pipeline companies may have different categories of compressor operators. Operators typically oversee one station or compressor. At meter stations, they may operate and monitor the operation of gas wells feeding into gathering systems. They may analyze flow characteristics. They also may:
At compressor and measurement stations, they may:
Operators must be aware of unusual changes in compressors and metering operations. When problems occur, they usually are responsible for handling the problem and recommending any necessary changes. They also may direct maintenance requirements. This may include taking charge of painting, washing, cleaning, and general housekeeping at each station.
Gas control operators work in highly automated gas pipeline systems. From there they may control compressor stations and meter stations at other locations. They also may:
Operators’ duties vary with the level of automation of the pipeline system. Those working with highly automated systems may handle problems and make adjustments with equipment in a control room. Those working with less automated systems may instruct other personnel to make manual adjustments where the problem is located or at another control area.
Gas pipeline maintenance workers may work within different categories of gas pipeline maintenance. As workers learn more about compressors, metering, and pipeline components, they are given more responsibilities and move up in operations.
Gas pipeline workers usually work at several different pipeline and meter stations. At meter stations, they may operate and monitor the operation of gas wells feeding into gathering systems. They may analyze flow characteristics. They also may:
At compressor and measurement stations, they may:
When problems occur, they usually are responsible for handling the problem and recommending needed changes. They direct maintenance requirements. They need to paint, wash, clean, and do general housekeeping at each station.
Gas flows through pipelines around the clock, every day of the year. This means gas pipeline operators may work 12- to 24-hour shifts. They also may be on call outside their regular Monday-to-Friday working hours. Some overtime may be required.
Gas pipeline maintenance workers work outdoors in all kinds of weather and in remote locations. They drive to a variety of stations to check and repair equipment. All operators and workers must do some heavy lifting.
Gas compressor operators, pipeline operators, and maintenance workers must be aware of potential hazards. They must know how to handle emergency situations. Hazards include fluids under high pressure and deadly hydrogen sulphide. Hydrogen sulphide often is a component of gas that comes directly from the well.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
2023 OaSIS: 93101.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Gas pipeline operators and maintenance workers need:
In an emergency, they must be able to evaluate the situation and respond to it quickly and correctly. The safety of a number of people and the efficient handling of emergency situations often depend on their good judgement.
Gas pipeline operators and maintenance workers should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 20 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 13, 2022 and Apr 16, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Adjust equipment, valves, pumps and controls and process equipment | 20 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Monitor outside process equipment | 20 |
| Tasks: Ensure adherence to safety regulations | 20 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 19 |
| Attention to detail | 19 |
| Tasks: Operate electronic or computerized control panel from a central control room | 19 |
| Tasks: Work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities | 19 |
| Tasks: Participate in safety audits and programs | 19 |
| Tasks: Develop operator procedures for normal operation, start-up or shut-down | 19 |
| Tasks: Control process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting | 19 |
There are no formal education requirements for gas pipeline operators and maintenance workers. Employers generally prefer high school graduates with experience or post-secondary education in electronics, electrical systems, mechanics, or instrumentation. They should have a Class 1 or 3 driver’s license and H2S training. For those working with hydraulic pickers, knowledge in mechanics is an asset.
In larger companies, new employees usually are hired as maintenance workers. At first, maintenance workers may do many physical jobs such as cleaning, painting, and maintaining pipeline stations. As they gain experience, they may receive more responsibilities in other areas of compressor or meter stations. It often takes a few years for a maintenance worker to be classified as a gas compressor operator. During the training period, maintenance workers may have opportunities to take in-house and technical school courses on compressor, metering, and control room operations.
Some companies offer to cover instrumentation courses for their employees. This helps workers progress within the field.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
People looking for employment in gas pipeline operations should contact companies that operate gas pipelines. They also may contact oil and gas companies that operate small compressor stations and gas-gathering systems.
Gas pipeline maintenance workers may be able to advance to gas control operator positions. This will depend on their qualifications and experience.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
2016 NOC: 9232
77.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $30.91 | $47.60 | $42.70 | $46.76 |
| Overall | $40.40 | $83.32 | $54.52 | $58.45 |
| Top | $40.40 | $84.69 | $60.12 | $70.14 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $111,635 |
|---|
Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com
Careers in Energy website: careersinenergy.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
