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What is a compressor mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
The average compressor mechanic salary is $41,266. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an automotive technology major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become a compressor mechanic. Compressor mechanics with a Commercial Driver License (CDL) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 12,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreCompressor MechanicUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $41,266

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.05%

Asian 2.32%

Black or African American 7.35%

Hispanic or Latino 20.20%

Unknown 4.96%

White 64.12%

Gender

female 2.60%

male 97.40%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.8

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Compressor mechanic career paths

Key steps to become a compressor mechanic

  1. Explore compressor mechanic education requirements

    Most common compressor mechanic degrees

    High School Diploma

    40.2 %

    Associate

    31.5 %

    Diploma

    12.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific compressor mechanic skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Compressors17.21%
    Preventative Maintenance13.67%
    Customer Service12.26%
    Production Equipment9.60%
    Scrubbers8.63%
  3. Complete relevant compressor mechanic training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New compressor mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a compressor mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real compressor mechanic resumes.
  4. Research compressor mechanic duties and responsibilities

    • Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
    • Service and install refrigerant and desiccant air dryers.
    • Maintain and service all asphalt equipment and vehicles.
    • Perform pipe welding for heating oil systems on asphalt plants.
  5. Prepare your compressor mechanic resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your compressor mechanic resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a compressor mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable compressor mechanic resume templates

    Build a professional compressor mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your compressor mechanic resume.
    Compressor Mechanic Resume
    Compressor Mechanic Resume
    Compressor Mechanic Resume
    Compressor Mechanic Resume
    Compressor Mechanic Resume
    Compressor Mechanic Resume
    Compressor Mechanic Resume
    Compressor Mechanic Resume
    Compressor Mechanic Resume
  6. Apply for compressor mechanic jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a compressor mechanic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first compressor mechanic job

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Average compressor mechanic salary

The average compressor mechanic salary in the United States is $41,266 per year or $20 per hour. Compressor mechanic salaries range between $30,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average compressor mechanic salary
$41,266 Yearly
$19.84 hourly

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Compressor mechanic reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2024
Cons

Dealing with management and unqualified coworkers


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Cons

Pay is minimal for your knowledge. Hours are better for white collar professionals. Have to buy your own tools with witch you could have bought your home with and no one cares. Treated as a second rate individual because you said "I'm an automotive mechanic." Expected to be perfect from customers who wonder why you didn't get it fixed on the first try when MD's almost never get it right. Expected to be an expert on over 60k types of automobiles that change every friggan year.....want more? If I had the choice to do it all over again I'd go into politics so I could rip off ppl every day and get rich and no one would ever complain.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Cons

There's nothing I don't like about work on cars


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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