NAICS 333912 Quarterly Industry Report
Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 333912Sector: 33Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This Fair Market Value industry report covers NAICS 333912 (Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing) using the 2022 North American Industry Classification System. Data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau[5] NAICS classification, Bureau of Labor Statistics[6] manufacturing employment data, and SBA size standard tables. Content addresses industry structure, product scope, and market dynamics for this general purpose machinery manufacturing sector.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the air and gas compressor manufacturing industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing (NAICS 333912) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing air and gas compressors for general industrial and commercial use. Products include reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors, centrifugal compressors, portable air compressors, and vacuum pumps. Per the Census Bureau[5], this classification covers compressor equipment designed for compressed air systems, gas processing, pneumatic tool operation, and general industrial applications distinct from refrigeration compressors classified under NAICS 333415.
Manufacturing processes vary by compressor type and size. Reciprocating compressor production requires precision machining of cylinders, pistons, and valves with close tolerance fits. Rotary screw compressors demand specialized rotor profiling, grinding, and timing gear assembly. Centrifugal compressor manufacturing involves impeller casting or machining, diffuser fabrication, and high-speed rotor balancing. All types require pressure vessel fabrication for air receivers and aftercoolers. Workforce requirements include mechanical engineers, CNC machinists, welders with ASME pressure vessel certifications, and test technicians who verify performance on dynamometer test stands.
Geographic distribution follows general industrial manufacturing patterns. Facilities concentrate in the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions. According to BLS data[6], manufacturing employment distributes across states with established heavy machinery production capabilities. Customer markets span construction, mining, manufacturing, food processing, and oil and gas operations where compressed air and gas handling represent essential utility requirements for daily production activities.
What's Included in This Industry
- Reciprocating air and gas compressors
- Rotary screw and rotary vane compressors
- Centrifugal air compressors and turbo blowers
- Portable air compressors for construction and industrial use
- Vacuum pumps and vacuum systems
- Air compressor packages with dryers and receivers
- Gas compressors for process and pipeline applications
- Compressor parts including valves, pistons, and rotors
- Booster compressors for high-pressure applications
- Compressor controls and monitoring systems
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Machinery Manufacturing | 333 |
| Industry Group | Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing | 3339 |
| NAICS Industry | Pump and Compressor Manufacturing | 33391 |
| National Industry | Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing | 333912 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 333914 | Measuring, Dispensing, and Other Pumping Equipment Manufacturing | Manufactures measuring and dispensing pumps sharing fluid handling engineering expertise and industrial customer markets with compressor producers, though pumps handle liquids while compressors process gases |
| 333996 | Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing | Produces fluid power pumps and motors providing hydraulic system components that complement pneumatic systems powered by compressors in industrial machinery applications |
| 333415 | Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing | Manufactures air conditioning and refrigeration equipment incorporating refrigerant compressors, while NAICS 333912 covers general-purpose air and gas compressors for non-refrigeration uses |
| 333618 | Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing | Produces engines that serve as prime movers for portable and engine-driven compressor packages, representing a key component supply relationship for mobile compressor equipment |
| 333413 | Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing | Manufactures industrial fans and blowers that move air at lower pressures than compressors, sharing pneumatic engineering expertise and ventilation system customer markets |
| 332420 | Metal Tank (Heavy Gauge) Manufacturing | Produces metal tanks and pressure vessels including air receiver tanks and gas storage vessels that integrate with compressor systems as critical compressed air storage components |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 15.3% | 40 |
| 2 | California | 10.3% | 27 |
| 3 | Indiana | 6.1% | 16 |
| 4 | Wisconsin | 5.0% | 13 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 4.6% | 12 |
| 6 | Illinois | 4.6% | 12 |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 4.6% | 12 |
| 8 | New York | 4.6% | 12 |
| 9 | Ohio | 4.2% | 11 |
| 10 | Michigan | 4.2% | 11 |
% Of Establishments
0%
15%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
16
Total SBA Loans
$20.4M
Total Loan Volume
$1.3M
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.25%
Average Interest Rate
208
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The Small Business Administration[7] sets the size standard for NAICS 333912 at 500 employees. Firms averaging 500 or fewer employees over the preceding 12 months qualify as small businesses for SBA loan programs, federal contracting set-asides, and small business certifications. This threshold applies to establishments where air and gas compressor production represents the primary business activity. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[8] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[9] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 8 | $20.0M | $2.5M |
| 2 | First Merchants Bank | 8 | $400K | $50K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 333912?
NAICS 333912 classifies establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing air and gas compressors for general industrial use. Products include reciprocating, rotary, and centrifugal compressors plus vacuum pumps. The Census Bureau[5] distinguishes this from refrigeration compressors (NAICS 333415) and fluid power pumps (NAICS 333996).
How is the compressor manufacturing industry structured?
A small number of large multinational companies dominate standard industrial compressor markets through extensive product lines and global service networks. Mid-size firms specialize in specific compressor types such as high-pressure gas compressors, oil-free designs, or portable construction units. Smaller manufacturers produce custom compressor packages, rebuild used equipment, and manufacture replacement parts.
What is the SBA size standard for compressor manufacturers?
The SBA sets the size standard at 500 employees for NAICS 333912. Firms at or below this threshold qualify as small businesses for federal contracting preferences and SBA lending programs. Details appear in the SBA size standards table[7].
What NAICS codes are closely related to compressor manufacturing?
NAICS 333914 covers pumps sharing fluid handling engineering. NAICS 333996 covers hydraulic pumps complementing pneumatic systems. Smaller 333415 covers refrigeration compressors. These adjacent codes reflect shared engineering capabilities and industrial customer relationships in the fluid handling equipment sector.
What industries depend on compressor manufacturers?
Manufacturing plants purchase compressors for pneumatic tool operation and automation systems. Construction companies use portable compressors for equipment and tools. Per BLS data[6], industrial employment across manufacturing, mining, and construction depends on compressed air systems built around NAICS 333912 equipment.
What activities does NAICS 333912 include?
Covered products include reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors, centrifugal compressors, portable units, vacuum pumps, and compressor packages. Manufacturing activities span precision machining, rotor grinding, pressure vessel fabrication, and performance testing. Excluded items include refrigeration compressors (NAICS 333415), fluid power pumps (NAICS 333996), and fans and blowers (NAICS 333413).
Are compressor manufacturers eligible for SBA loans?
Yes, manufacturers meeting the 500-employee threshold qualify for SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and federal contracting set-asides. The SBA funding programs[10] page details eligibility for manufacturing businesses seeking capital for machining equipment, test facilities, and working capital.
Where is compressor manufacturing concentrated in the United States?
Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ohio host notable concentrations of compressor manufacturers. Portable compressor production concentrates near construction and mining markets. According to BLS employment data[6], general purpose machinery manufacturing employment clusters in states with established heavy equipment production infrastructure and supply chain access.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]BLS data bls.gov
- [7]Small Business Administration sba.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]504 loans sba.gov
- [10]SBA funding programs sba.gov
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