National Salary Overview
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Median Salary
$71,928
Average (Mean)
$73,481
Employed Nationwide
2,780
VS
Locomotive Engineers earns $11,229 more (15.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$71,928
$83,157
Average (Mean) Salary
$73,481
$83,682
Total Employment
2,780
27,340
States with Higher Pay
6
11
Salary by State: Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators vs Locomotive Engineers
Showing 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators pays more in 6 states; Locomotive Engineers pays more in 11.
| State | Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | Locomotive Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $43,440 | $77,600 | $-34,160 | ||
| Colorado | $76,200 | $89,360 | $-13,160 | ||
| Indiana | $100,280 | $92,790 | +$7,490 | ||
| Kansas | $107,730 | $75,190 | +$32,540 | ||
| Louisiana | $79,970 | $64,200 | +$15,770 | ||
| Montana | $83,750 | $90,220 | $-6,470 | ||
| New York | $59,040 | $109,220 | $-50,180 | ||
| Ohio | $85,930 | $63,280 | +$22,650 | ||
| Oklahoma | $82,150 | $91,970 | $-9,820 | ||
| Oregon | $51,150 | $79,130 | $-27,980 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $60,170 | $82,460 | $-22,290 | ||
| South Dakota | $44,440 | $69,180 | $-24,740 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,350 | $81,410 | $-36,060 | ||
| Texas | $82,120 | $79,000 | +$3,120 | ||
| Virginia | $64,990 | $90,780 | $-25,790 | ||
| Washington | $57,500 | $73,750 | $-16,250 | ||
| West Virginia | $65,050 | $64,400 | +$650 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators vs Locomotive Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators or Locomotive Engineers?
On average across all states, a Locomotive Engineers earns more than a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators. The national median salary difference is $11,229 (15.6%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators earn more than a Locomotive Engineers?
A Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators earns a higher median salary than a Locomotive Engineers in 6 out of 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Locomotive Engineers pays more in 11 states.
What is the median salary for a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators vs Locomotive Engineers?
The national median salary for a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators is $71,928 per year, compared to $83,157 for a Locomotive Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators or Locomotive Engineers?
There are more people employed as Locomotive Engineers. BLS reports approximately 2,780 Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators positions and 27,340 Locomotive Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators or Locomotive Engineers?
Both Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators and Locomotive Engineers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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