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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting; and in operating electronic or computerized control panels from a central control room; and in shutting down, isolating and preparing process units or production equipment for maintenance
Interest in analyzing information to develop operator procedures for normal operations, start-up and shut-down of units; and in participating in safety audits and programs, and in providing emergency response when required
Interest in speaking with team members and trainees to authorize or co-sign maintenance work orders; in ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations; may work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities and participate in training other workers
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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 22 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 23, 2022 and Sep 16, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 21 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 21 |
| Tasks: Adjust equipment, valves, pumps and controls and process equipment | 18 |
| Tasks: Ensure adherence to safety regulations | 18 |
| Tasks: Monitor outside process equipment | 18 |
| Work Setting: Remote location | 17 |
| Tasks: Operate electronic or computerized control panel from a central control room | 17 |
| Tasks: Participate in safety audits and programs | 17 |
| Tasks: Rotate between different processing units during shift cycles | 17 |
| Tasks: Control process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting | 17 |
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 short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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: 2023-2025 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 2016 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 [pdf] 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 | $27.85 | $62.02 | $39.46 | $37.00 |
| Overall | $35.13 | $74.99 | $50.78 | $50.62 |
| Top | $44.85 | $90.80 | $59.57 | $57.50 |
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 | $105,676 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $115,988 |
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.
