Tips for Getting a Job as a Gas Plant Operator

Gas plant operators maintain and control equipment like pipelines and other gas delivery mechanisms. Although extensive education is not required to get a job as a gas plant operator, some tips will increase your chances of employment or promotion.

This is actually one of the better jobs for earning a high salary that does not generally require a college education or vocational training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 13,480 gas plant operators with jobs in May of 2010. That is not a high number, but what is promising for those without a college degree is that the median yearly salary was $57,200 at that time. That is a top salary for a job that is learned mostly through on-the-job training.

However, as technology progresses, the energy and utilities industries do need a few less operators over time. To become a gas plant operator these days, you want to try to set yourself apart by getting some training for initial employment or for promotion purposes.

The most basic thing you can do is take as many math and science classes as possible in high school. While this will not train you specifically for gas-plant operations, it looks good on a resume and shows your interest in mechanics. Make sure you at least take a physics class.

Naturally, the same is going to apply if you attend some college classes or even get a degree. Those with training in natural sciences or even engineering could find it easier to get work as a gas plant operator.

A full college degree would not be required to set yourself apart from other job seekers. For example, Ohio State University has a Natural Gas Plant Operations training course. You may even complete this course online. This is a certificate program that lasts 400 hours and costs about $2,600, as of September 2011. This is just an example. There are undoubtedly other training programs that will assist you in getting prepared for a job as a gas plant operator and earning a good salary while playing an important role in providing energy to the public.

Resources:

Ohio State University: Course in Natural Gas Plant Operations

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Gas Plant Operator Jobs and Salary Details


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