Below is a table that shows the top-paying positions in the natural gas distribution industry, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2023.

Rank	Position Title	National Average Salary
1	General and Operations Managers	$118,990
2	Engineers (various specialties)	$96,310
3	Gas Plant Operators (various specialties)	$88,528
4	First-line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers	$71,380
5	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$63,350

It’s important to note that actual salaries can vary significantly based on several factors, including geographic location, years of experience, level of education, and company size. Continue reading to learn more about these various roles.

General and Operations Managers 

General and Operations Managers are high-level professionals who plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of organizations in both public and private sectors. They oversee multiple departments or locations, working through subordinate supervisors to achieve company objectives and ensure organizational goals are met.

Primary duties:

• Formulating policies and managing daily operations
• Planning the use of materials and human resources
• Reviewing financial statements and performance data
• Coordinating activities related to production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products

Experience needed:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, or related field; MBA often preferred
• Work Experience: 3-5 years in lower-level management or supervisory roles
• Skills: Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills; proficiency in financial data interpretation and problem-solving

Resume tips for prospective job seekers:

• Highlight specific achievements and metrics from previous management roles, demonstrating your impact on organizational performance and growth.
• Showcase your experience in cross-functional leadership, emphasizing your ability to coordinate multiple departments and manage diverse teams effectively.

Engineers (various specialties)

Engineers (various specialties) are professionals who apply scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and innovate solutions for complex technical problems across different industries. The term “various specialties” refers to the diverse fields of engineering, such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, and petroleum engineering, each focusing on specific areas of expertise within the broader engineering discipline.

Primary duties:

• Design and develop new products, processes, or systems
• Analyze and interpret data to improve existing technologies
• Conduct research to solve complex engineering problems
• Oversee projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams

Experience needed:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering; advanced degrees often preferred for specialized roles
• Work Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience, depending on the specialty and position level
• Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of industry-specific regulations and standards

Resume tips for prospective job seekers:

• Highlight specific engineering projects you’ve worked on, emphasizing your role, the technologies used, and the outcomes achieved.
• Showcase any specialized certifications or advanced training relevant to your engineering specialty, as well as your proficiency with industry-standard software and tools.

Gas Plant Operators (various specialties)

Gas Plant Operators (various specialties) are responsible for overseeing and controlling the equipment and processes involved in distributing or processing gas for utility companies and other industries. The term “various specialties” refers to different areas of focus within gas plant operations, such as compressor station operation, liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing, or pipeline system management.

Primary duties:

1. Monitor and control equipment functioning, including temperature, level, and flow gauges
2. Operate compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to process natural gas
3. Distribute gas using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment
4. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards

Experience needed:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require post-secondary education or technical training
• Work Experience: 2-5 years of experience in industrial settings, preferably in oil and gas or related industries
• Skills: Mechanical aptitude, knowledge of safety procedures, ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, proficiency in using control systems and computer software

Resume tips for prospective job seekers:

• Highlight specific technical skills and certifications relevant to gas plant operations, such as experience with SCADA systems or safety certifications.
• Emphasize any experience with specific types of gas processing equipment or systems, as well as your track record in maintaining safe and efficient operations.

First-line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

First-line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers directly oversee and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers in manufacturing, processing, or other industrial settings. They serve as the crucial link between management and front-line workers, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining safety standards and quality control.

Primary duties:

• Supervise and coordinate activities of production workers, machine operators, and other staff
• Monitor production processes and adjust workflows to optimize efficiency
• Enforce safety and sanitation regulations
• Train new employees and provide ongoing guidance to existing staff

Experience needed:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require post-secondary education or technical training
• Work Experience: 3-5 years of experience in production or manufacturing environments
• Skills: Strong leadership and communication abilities, problem-solving skills, knowledge of production processes and safety regulations, proficiency in relevant software and equipment

Resume tips for prospective job seekers:

• Highlight specific examples of how you’ve improved production efficiency or implemented successful process improvements in previous roles.
• Emphasize any certifications or specialized training you’ve received in areas such as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or occupational safety and health.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair piping systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They work with various types of pipes and fixtures that carry water, steam, air, and other liquids or gases, ensuring proper functioning of essential systems in buildings and facilities.

Primary duties:

1. Install piping systems and fixtures according to blueprints and specifications
2. Maintain and repair existing pipe systems, including identifying and fixing leaks
3. Inspect and test piping systems to ensure proper functioning and compliance with safety regulations
4. Read and interpret blueprints and building codes to plan installations

Experience needed:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; completion of an apprenticeship program (typically 4-5 years)
• Work Experience: 4-5 years of apprenticeship, which includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction
• Skills: Physical dexterity, problem-solving abilities, mechanical aptitude, knowledge of building codes and safety regulations, proficiency with various tools and equipment

Resume tips for prospective job seekers:

1. Highlight specific certifications and licenses relevant to your specialization, such as medical gas certification or backflow prevention certification.
2. Showcase projects you’ve worked on, emphasizing the complexity of the systems you’ve installed or repaired and any challenges you’ve successfully overcome.