How much does it cost to run an air compressor?
An air compressor costs about 13¢ per hour, 1.9¢ a day, $0.59 a month and $7 a year at typical use (1 hour a day, 1 days a week) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Pancake compressors draw 12-15 A while running; they cycle on and off with tool use, so average draw is about half rated.
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Cost by setting
| Setting | Watts | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tire inflator | 150 | 1.3¢ | 0.2¢ | $0.06 | $1 |
| 6 gal pancake | 1,500 | 13¢ | 1.9¢ | $0.59 | $7 |
| 20-30 gal 120 V | 1,800 | 16¢ | 2.3¢ | $0.70 | $8 |
| 60-80 gal 240 V | 3,700 | 33¢ | 4.8¢ | $1.45 | $17 |
At 1 hour a day, 1 days a week and 17.99¢/kWh.
Cost by hours of use
| Hours per day | kWh/day | Per day | Per month | Per year (all year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.11 | 1.9¢ | $0.59 | $7 |
| 2 hours | 0.21 | 3.9¢ | $1.17 | $14 |
| 4 hours | 0.43 | 7.7¢ | $2.35 | $28 |
| 8 hours | 0.86 | 15¢ | $4.69 | $56 |
| 12 hours | 1.29 | 23¢ | $7.04 | $84 |
| 24 hours | 2.57 | 46¢ | $14.08 | $169 |
Cost to run an air compressor in every state
The same air compressor costs $5 a year in North Dakota and $17 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | 9.2¢ | $0.40 | $5 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 9.5¢ | $0.41 | $5 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 9.6¢ | $0.42 | $5 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 9.7¢ | $0.42 | $5 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 10.0¢ | $0.43 | $5 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 10¢ | $0.44 | $5 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 10¢ | $0.44 | $5 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 10¢ | $0.44 | $5 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 10¢ | $0.45 | $5 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 10¢ | $0.45 | $5 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 10¢ | $0.45 | $5 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 10¢ | $0.45 | $5 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 11¢ | $0.46 | $5 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 11¢ | $0.46 | $6 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 11¢ | $0.46 | $6 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 11¢ | $0.46 | $6 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 11¢ | $0.48 | $6 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 11¢ | $0.48 | $6 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 11¢ | $0.49 | $6 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 11¢ | $0.49 | $6 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 11¢ | $0.50 | $6 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 12¢ | $0.50 | $6 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 12¢ | $0.50 | $6 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 12¢ | $0.50 | $6 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 12¢ | $0.51 | $6 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 12¢ | $0.51 | $6 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 12¢ | $0.52 | $6 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 12¢ | $0.53 | $6 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 12¢ | $0.54 | $6 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 12¢ | $0.54 | $6 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 12¢ | $0.54 | $6 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 13¢ | $0.55 | $7 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 13¢ | $0.58 | $7 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 14¢ | $0.60 | $7 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 14¢ | $0.61 | $7 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 14¢ | $0.61 | $7 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 16¢ | $0.68 | $8 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 16¢ | $0.69 | $8 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 16¢ | $0.69 | $8 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 18¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 18¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 18¢ | $0.79 | $9 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 20¢ | $0.87 | $10 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 20¢ | $0.88 | $11 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 21¢ | $0.91 | $11 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 21¢ | $0.93 | $11 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 22¢ | $0.95 | $11 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 22¢ | $0.96 | $11 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 23¢ | $0.99 | $12 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 25¢ | $1.08 | $13 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 33¢ | $1.42 | $17 |
How to cut the cost
- Fix air leaks at fittings with thread tape; leaks keep the compressor cycling.
- Turn the compressor off and drain the tank after use.
- Set regulator pressure to the tool's requirement (often 90 psi) rather than max.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Tight couplers stop leaks that make the compressor cycle.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air compressor | 1,500 | 1 hour a day, 1 days a week | $0.59 | $7 |
| Shop vac | 1,200 | 15 minutes a day, 1 days a week | $0.23 | $3 |
| Pressure washer | 1,800 | 1 hour a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year | $1.41 | $8 |
| Welder | 2,400 | 1 hour a day, 1 days a week | $0.56 | $7 |
| Circular saw | 1,500 | 15 minutes a day, 1 days a week | $0.29 | $4 |
| Table saw | 1,800 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week | $0.35 | $4 |
| Bench grinder | 400 | 15 minutes a day, 1 days a week | $0.08 | $1 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run an air compressor per hour?
An air compressor drawing 1,500 watts uses 0.75 kWh per hour while running (50% duty cycle). At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 13¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 9.2¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 33¢.
How much does it cost to run an air compressor per month?
At typical use (1 hour a day, 1 days a week), an air compressor costs about $0.59 a month and $7 a year, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does an air compressor use?
Most air compressors use 150 to 4,000 watts, depending on the setting (tire inflator 150 W, 6 gal pancake 1,500 W, 20-30 gal 120 v 1,800 W, 60-80 gal 240 v 3,700 W). Starting surge can reach 3,500 W. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does an air compressor use?
About 0.11 kWh a day and 39 kWh a year at typical use (1 hour a day, 1 days a week).
Does an air compressor use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 39 kWh a year it's a small share (0.4%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run an air compressor or a shop vac?
At typical use, an air compressor costs about $7 a year versus $3 for a shop vac. So the shop vac is cheaper by about $4 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running an air compressor?
- Fix air leaks at fittings with thread tape; leaks keep the compressor cycling.
- Turn the compressor off and drain the tank after use.
- Set regulator pressure to the tool's requirement (often 90 psi) rather than max.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.