As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Compressor Operator in the United States is $46,260 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, an Air Compressor Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Air Compressor Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Air Compressor Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Air Compressor Operator | $43,744 |
| Intermediate Level Air Compressor Operator | $43,877 |
| Senior Level Air Compressor Operator | $45,205 |
| Specialist Level Air Compressor Operator | $46,963 |
| Expert Level Air Compressor Operator | $47,665 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Air Compressor Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.99% |
| Machine Operation | 3.23% |
| Container | 2.39% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$49,960 |
8%
|
|
Dedication
|
$49,498 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$48,110 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$47,647 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$47,647 |
3%
|
|
SOP
|
$47,185 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Air Compressor Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Air Compressor Operator with a No Diploma is between $44,700 and $47,709).
Air Compressor Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 85.7% |
| High School | 85.7% |
| Associates | 9.5% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Air Compressor Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for an Air Compressor Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $41,823 in 2023 to around $41,860 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Compressor Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,823 |
| 2024 | $41,974 |
| 2025 | $41,860 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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