How to hire a compressor operator

How to hire a compressor operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step compressor operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a compressor operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new compressor operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The compressor operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A compressor operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, compressor operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of compressor operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Compressor Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Compressor Operator		$14-31
   Gas Engineer	A Gas Engineer specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing gas systems and appliances in homes and business establishments. They typically travel to various locations, conduct inspections using detectors and other equipment, troubleshoot problems, replace or fix parts, and enforce safety protocols in case of emergencies... Show more	$30-67
   Lead Operator/Machine Operator	A Lead Operator or an Industrial Machinery Mechanic is responsible for creating, installing, and repairing different types of machinery. This person does the adjustment and maintenance of machines as well as the industrial production and distribution of types of equipment and other systems... Show more	$13-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Dehydration
   • Safety Procedures
   • Safety Standards
   • Production Equipment
   • Tablet Press
   • R
   • DOT
   • Quality Checks
   • Ariel
   • Gas Compressors
   • GMP
   • Water Pumps
   • FDA
   • Perform Routine Maintenance

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage documentation according with GMP and non-GMP practices.
   • Manage natural gas control and SCADA operations for company transmission line system.
   • Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
   • Maintain and clean press using GMP approve materials
   • Conduct dew point testing, maintenance and monitor of glycol dehydration systems.
   • Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation in accordance with FDA, DEA, OSHA and customer quality requirements.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your compressor operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A compressor operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, compressor operators' average salary in vermont is 26% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level compressor operators earn 55% less than senior-level compressor operators.
   • Certifications. A compressor operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a compressor operator's salary.

   Average compressor operator salary

   $44,954yearly

   $21.61 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level compressor operator salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a compressor operator job description

   A good compressor operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a compressor operator job description:

   Compressor operator job description example

   Since 1960, PPD has developed significant expertise in a wide variety of markets, including, transportation, agriculture, industrial equipment, recreational vehicles, as well as mining, consumer goods and medical devices.

   Job Description:

   Assists in the manufacture of various products to include pill making, powder mixing, sandblasting, material preparation and molding operations. Will perform a variety of tasks to include trimming, assembly, machine operation, drilling, packaging, etc. to ensure product quality meets customer specifications. Operates compression molding machines to mold and form specified shape. May be assigned to other areas in the facility as needed to assist in the overall production efforts of the facility. All employees are expected to work as a team and work in a safe manner.

   Duties:

   • Use a variety of machines to include compression presses, drills, extruder’s, saws, etc. to build and finish products to specification;
   • Perform measuring and mixing of powder and various raw materials in support of molding operations;
   • Manufacture of pills along with wrapping of rubber in support of required molding operations;
   • Perform sandblasting and related operations to prepare raw steel for use in the manufacture of customer products;
   • Maintain product / machine efficiencies as established to maximize profitability in the manufacturing process;
   • Ensure quality is contained in all products handled through visual inspection, use of calibers or other measuring devices, and print specifications;
   • Package products per customer shipping specifications;
   • Maintains work area and equipment in a clean orderly condition and follows prescribed safety regulations to include 5S requirements;
   • Perform raw material replenishment, ensuring operations continue as assigned without delay;
   • Assist in job performance rotations as assigned, ensuring skill level proficiency is maintained in all trained areas. May be called upon to work in unrelated areas of the factory under direct supervision to meet production needs;
   • Performs other duties as assigned.

   Shift Differential Premiums:

   • 2nd Shift $1.00 per hour
   • 3rd Shift $2.00 per hour

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find compressor operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your compressor operator job on Zippia to find and recruit compressor operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit compressor operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new compressor operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the compressor operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new compressor operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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