Compressor Rental Market Outlook 2025 to 2035

The global compressor rental industry is valued at USD 4.85 billion in 2025. According to FMI’s analysis, the compressor rental sector will grow at a CAGR of 7.5% and reach USD 10 billion by 2035. Rising demand for economic and flexible air compression solutions among various sectors will accelerate the sales of compressor rental solutions.

During 2024, the compressor sector underwent a transformative shift, prompted by surging demand in construction, mining, oil & gas, and manufacturing industries. Furthermore, the sudden preference to rental alternatives was encouraged by cost savings, operational versatility, and lower maintenance requirements, enabling companies to maximize resources without large capital outlays.

In 2025, the industry is set to grow further with support from continued infrastructure growth and a mounting trend towards rental-based solutions. Demand for rental compressors will increase as companies focus more on efficiency, flexibility, and cost control due to changing project requirements.

Rising industrialization in developing economies and increasing investments in oil & gas exploration operations are expected to further support industry growth, cementing the position of compressor rentals as a strategic option for companies seeking to achieve a balance between performance and financial leeway.

Metric Value
Industry Value (2025E) USD 4.85 billion
Industry Value (2035F) USD 10 billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035) 7.5%

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Market Analysis

The compressor rental industry is booming with high growth, driven by booming infrastructure projects, changing energy regulations, and a strategic turning toward cost-effective, on-demand equipment offerings. With industries focusing on agility and capital flexibility, rental companies are set to take the benefits, whereas conventional equipment players banking on outright purchases might fail to keep up. This shift marks a resolute trend towards scalable, high-performance solutions that complement contemporary industrial requirements.

Top 3 Strategic Imperatives for Stakeholders

Redefine Value Proposition with Service-Driven Rentals

Move beyond standard equipment leasing by incorporating added-value services like performance data analytics in real time, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. Providing end-to-end service packages will distinguish rental companies and create long-term customer relationships.

Take Advantage of Green Transition and Regulatory Changes

Align with increasing emission controls and sustainability objectives through growth of environmentally friendly compressor fleets, such as hybrids and electrics. Firms that make advance investment in cleaner technology will win contracts with eco-friendly industries and have a regulatory edge.

Accelerate Industry Consolidation for Competitive Supremacy

Use mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures to gain a foothold in strategic growth areas. Enhancing supply chain resilience and maximizing fleet utilization through strategic alliances will provide sustained profitability and scalability.

Top 3 Risks Stakeholders should Monitor

Risk Probability & Impact
Growing Competitive Pressure - New rental suppliers and direct manufacturer leasing programs can steal industry share from established players. High Probability, High Impact
Fluctuating Industrial Demand - Downturns in the economy, halted infrastructure expansion, or decreased investments in oil & gas can cause insecure periods of rental demand. Medium Probability, High Impact
Shifting Client Preferences - Increased demand for on-demand, digitalized rental arrangements can disrupt classical long-term leasing contracts, and this requires business model change with speed. High Probability, Medium Impact

1-Year Executive Watch-List

Priority Immediate Action
Optimize Rental Models for High-Variability Demand Introduce dynamic pricing and short-term leasing solutions specific to industries with changing equipment requirements.
Leverage AI for Proactive Fleet Management Use predictive analytics to reduce downtime, improve equipment effectiveness, and increase asset longevity.
Expand Footprint in Emerging Clean Energy & Industrial Cooling Sectors Create specialized rental solutions for hydrogen production, carbon capture, and large-scale cooling.

For the Boardroom

To stay ahead, companies must redefine their rental strategies with precision, agility, and technological foresight. Advancing further requires a bold shift to AI-driven fleet intelligence, hyper-agile leasing models, and profound industry­­­ penetration in high-growth sectors such as renewable energy and industrial cooling.

Regulatory change and sustainability drivers will be the differentiators between innovators and laggards, and investments in low-emission, high-efficiency compressors will be non-negotiable. Industry leaders need to act swiftly to future-proof their businesses, outcompete competition, and design a rental ecosystem that excels on agility and value-driven differentiation.

Compressor Rental Market Strategic Rental Transformation

Segment-Wise Analysis

By Type

Rotary screw compressors will be the sector leaders from 2025 to 2035, spurred by their high efficiency, continuous operation, and reduced maintenance. High-performance, oil-free, and energy-efficient solutions will see industries turn towards these compressors, especially for large-scale industrial and construction activities. With an estimated CAGR of 7.4%, rotary screw compressors will outpace reciprocating models, which are ideal for intermittent usage and low-pressure applications.

Reciprocating compressors will continue to have applications in specialized industries that demand accurate pressure regulation, but their use will be restricted by increased maintenance expenses and inefficiencies in operation. As companies focus on reliability, affordability, and sustainability, rotary screw compressors will become the first choice, especially in high-load industries like power generation, mining, and mass production.

By End Use

The construction industry will drive compressor rental demand, with a forecast CAGR of 7.2% during 2025 to 2035. Rising global infrastructure activities, urbanization, and public sector investment in roads, bridges, and commercial buildings will continue to keep adoption levels high.

Mining and oil & gas sectors will be the major consumers, utilizing compressor rentals to fulfill variable operational requirements without incurring heavy capital outlays. Power plants will incorporate rental compressors to provide backup power solutions, especially in energy-transitioning regions with grid instability.

The manufacturing industry will depend on compressor rentals to automate production processes, minimize downtime, and stay cost-effective. Chemical processing facilities, with their critical operational demands, will keep on investing in high-performance compressed air systems.

With industries moving toward flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions, rental compressors will be important in ensuring operating efficiency across the board.

Country-Wise Analysis

United States

The United States will remain a leading contributor to the compressor rental industry due to massive infrastructure growth and development of the energy sector. Increased oil & gas activities, in addition to growing emphasis on the integration of renewable energy, will continue to provide high rental demand.

Manufacturing and construction companies will favor rental compressors more and more to ensure maximum operating cost optimization and increase project flexibility. Investment in data centers and semiconductor manufacturing will also build new growth paths. FMI forecasts that the CAGR of the United States compressor rental industry will be 7.6% from 2025 to 2035.

India

India's rental compressor industry will see strong growth, driven by fast-paced urbanization, infrastructural development programs initiated by the government, and high industrialization growth trends. Mega construction programs such as metro rail expansion and smart city constructions will propel the demand for transportable and efficiency compressors.

The growing take-up of renting solutions in mining activities, with rising coal and mineral excavation activities, will support industry growth as well. The use of IoT-enabled compressors will improve fleet management and operational efficiency. FMI projects that the CAGR of the Indian compressor rental industry will be 8.1% from 2025 to 2035.

China

China's compressor rental industry will continue to grow steadily, led by its huge industrial and infrastructure growth. The government's drive for high-technology manufacturing as well as large-scale energy projects will sustain the demand. Shifting towards cleaner forms of energy solutions, such as hydrogen and wind energy, will further spur rental compressor usage, especially for temporary power solutions.

As China consolidates its role as a world manufacturing center, sectors like electronics, automotive, and aerospace will increasingly rely on rental compressors for cost-effectiveness and operational convenience. The construction industry, supported by continued urban redevelopment efforts, will also be a major demand driver. FMI opines that the CAGR of China’s compressor rental industry will be 7.9% from 2025 to 2035.

United Kingdom

United Kingdom's compressor rental industry will grow steadily, led by rising investments in infrastructure and a growing movement towards rental-driven models. Demand for energy-saving air compressors will increase, driven by pressure for green building projects and green construction methods. The UK's robust offshore wind and renewable power sector will be another driving factor, demanding efficient compressors to install and service equipment.

Increased use of modular construction methods and prefabrication will also drive rental demand as businesses opt for equipment sourcing flexibility. The emphasis on decarbonization and industrial electrification will drive the uptake of low-emission compressor technologies. FMI forecasts that the CAGR of the UK compressor rental industry will be 7.4% from 2025 to 2035.

Germany

Germany's compressor rental industry will gain from the nation's dominance in industrial automation, engineering prowess, and green initiatives. The automotive industry's transition to electric vehicle manufacturing will further raise dependence on rental solutions to deal with changing assembly line requirements. Furthermore, the growth of wind and solar power infrastructure will propel compressor consumption in maintenance and energy storage uses.

The presence of major industrial equipment companies will also promote technology innovation in rental products, enhancing efficiency and decreasing operating expenses. FMI projects that the CAGR of Germany’s compressor rental industry will be 7.5% from 2025 to 2035.

South Korea

South Korea's compressor rental industry will pick up pace with improvements in semiconductor production, shipbuilding, and heavy industry sectors. The nation's emphasis on innovation and high-tech industries will propel the demand for precision-driven compressed air solutions. The increasing use of AI-integrated compressors in smart factories will further boost rental industry potential.

The boom in offshore construction and marine projects will also generate consistent demand for temporary compressed air solutions. As South Korea improves its industrial competitiveness, rental solutions will emerge as a strategic option for companies that require cost-effective scalability. FMI opines that the CAGR of South Korea’s compressor rental industry will be 7.8% from 2025 to 2035.

Japan

Japan's rental compressor industry will increase steadily, supported by the nation's advanced manufacturing ecosystem and focus on energy efficiency. The increasing application of automated production lines in electronics and robotics sectors will drive demand for high-precision, oil-free rental compressors. In addition, Japan's infrastructure resilience efforts, including earthquake-resistant structures and extended high-speed rail networks, will drive rental industry growth.

The technological push of the aerospace sector will continue to spur rental demand. As rental models evolve, companies will increasingly seek customized compressor solutions to meet special operating requirements. FMI projects that Japan's compressor rental industry CAGR from 2025 to 2035 will be 7.3%.

France

France's compressor rental industry will be influenced by its strong infrastructure modernization programs and strict environmental regulations. Increased investments in green hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies will generate substantial demand for high-end rental compressors. Growth in aerospace and automotive production will also fuel demand for temporary compressed air solutions, especially in prototyping and test facilities.

The focus of the French government on green urbanization will promote the use of energy-saving rental machinery in construction projects. Moreover, the active refining of oil and chemical processing sector of the country will generate constant rental demand. FMI projects that the CAGR of France’s compressor rental industry will be 7.5% from 2025 to 2035.

Italy

Italy's rental industry for compressors will grow as industrial end-use sectors take greater advantage of adaptable, price-effective equipment options. The renewal of manufacturing production, especially auto and machinery assembly, will spearhead rental requirements. Italy's emphasis on highway and rail route development, or the rehabilitation of its infrastructure, will also serve compressor uptake on heavy construction works.

The shift of the energy sector to renewables and cleaner fuels will lead to new prospects for rental providers of high-efficiency, oil-free air compressors. Additionally, Italy's dominance in the food and beverage sector will ensure rental demand for clean and contaminant-free compressed air solutions continues. FMI opines that the CAGR of Italy’s compressor rental industry will be 7.4% from 2025 to 2035.

Australia & New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand's rental compressor sector will see growth, fueled by massive mining activities, growing renewable energy projects, and rising infrastructure spending.

The mining industry, a leading end-user, will keep relying on rental compressors for extraction and treatment operations, particularly in remote areas. The region's rising offshore wind farms and solar power projects will generate new temporary compressed air demand for installation and maintenance activities.

In a region where industries are moving towards rental structures for cost leverage, service-centric offerings and technology-enabled fleet management will be paramount to sector success. FMI forecasts that the CAGR of Australia & New Zealand’s compressor rental industry will be 7.7% from 2025 to 2035.

FMI Survey Results: Compressor Rental Market Dynamics Based on Stakeholder Perspectives

(Surveyed Q4 2024, n=500 stakeholder participants evenly distributed across manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and industrial end-users in the USA, Western Europe, China, Japan, and India)

Priorities of Stakeholders

  • Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings: 84% of stakeholders across the globe identified operational efficiency and cost savings as a "critical" priority, with rental compressors serving as a cost-saving alternative to ownership.
  • Durability and Performance: 79% emphasized the requirement for high-performance and durable compressors, with a preference for high-tech rotary screw compressors.

Regional Difference:

  • USA: 72% considered energy efficiency and fuel saving as a priority because of rising operating expenses, compared to 49% in Japan.
  • Western Europe: 85% considered sustainability and low-emission compressors as a priority, compared to 52% in India.
  • China/India: 68% mentioned affordability and flexible rental agreements to meet project-based needs, compared to 39% in the USA.

Embracing Advanced Technologies

High Variance:

  • USA: 61% of industrial end-users utilized IoT-based compressors for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, primarily in manufacturing and oil & gas.
  • Western Europe: 55% adopted hybrid electric-diesel compressors, spearheaded by Germany (64%) owing to tighter EU emissions regulation.
  • China: 47% integrated intelligent automation into rental fleets to improve performance monitoring and energy efficiency.
  • Japan: A few 28% embraced digital monitoring solutions due to high implementation costs and rigid regulatory compliance demands.
  • India: 36% invested in mobile app-driven rental platforms to boost equipment tracking and contract convenience.

Convergent and Divergent Perceptions of ROI

  • 74% of USA stakeholders believed that automation and remote monitoring were "worth the investment."
  • 41% in Japan still preferred basic, manually controlled compressors for economic reasons.

Material Preferences

Consensus:

  • Steel-Alloy Housings: Preferred by 67% of respondents for outdoor strength and resistance to corrosion.

Variance:

  • Western Europe: 58% preferred lighter compressors with aluminum base to facilitate ease of transportation and minimizing environmental impact.
  • China/India: 44% wanted hybrid casings to maximize both strength and value.
  • USA: 72% tended towards heavy-duty steel compressors, of which 22% of the companies in the Midwestern states of America exhibited affinity for portable and compact sizes.

Price Sensitivity

Shared Challenges

  • 91% cited increasing raw material costs (28% increase in steel, 20% rise in diesel fuel) as the most important issue influencing rental charges.

Regional Differences:

  • USA/Western Europe: 66% would be willing to pay a 20% premium on energy-efficient and lower-emissions compressors.
  • China/India: 73% chose less expensive models (< USD 4,500/month) and flexible short-term contracts.
  • Japan: 54% wanted subscription or lease models to save on initial purchase costs.
  • South Korea: 43% reported that they were influenced by government subsidies for green equipment in their buying decisions.

Pain Points in the Value Chain

Manufacturers:

  • 58% in the USA struggled with supply chain disruptions and component availability.
  • 50% in Western Europe cited difficulty in coping with shifting emission compliance regulations.
  • 63% in China faced overcapacities in domestic production, which resulted in price pressures.

Distributors:

  • 67% in the USA suffered from delays in importation of high-tech compressors due to global supply chain bottlenecks.
  • 56% in Western Europe cited competition from lower-cost rental suppliers in Eastern Europe.
  • Japan/India: 62% reported logistical inefficiencies and high transport costs in rural areas.

End-Users (Industrial Customers & Contractors):

  • USA: 46% cited maintenance costs and downtime as their primary concerns.
  • Western Europe: 42% experienced rental fleet shortages during peak demand seasons.
  • China: 59% faced problems with acquiring spare parts for long-term rentals.

Future Investment Priorities

Alignment:

76% of global rental suppliers plan to invest in next-generation hybrid and electric compressors to address sustainability needs.

Divergence:

  • USA: 63% are focusing on expanding modular compressor fleets to serve multiple industrial uses.
  • Western Europe: 60% are focusing on carbon-zero manufacturing and energy recovery systems within rental fleets.
  • China/India: 52% are putting money into digital rental platforms to enhance customer access and fleet management.

Regulatory Impact

  • USA: 72% of the respondents identified new EPA emissions standards as a key driver for transitioning to electric and hybrid rental compressors.
  • Western Europe: 80% noted EU Green Deal legislation as a key driver of demand for low-carbon rental equipment.
  • China/India: Only 35% of businesses thought local law had a big impact, highlighting poor enforcement of energy efficiency regulations.

Conclusion: Variance vs. Consensus

High Consensus

Operational efficiency, cost pressures, and demand for durable rental compressors are universal considerations.

Key Variances:

  • USA: Wants to be at the forefront of automation and energy-efficient solutions.
  • Western Europe: Favors eco-friendliness and sustainable rental fleets.
  • China/India: Prioritizes low cost and short-term flexibility versus high-end specification.

Strategic Insight:

No "one-size-fits-all" applies to the compressor rental sector. Regionalization matters-North America and Europe require low-emission and digitalized solutions, but China, India, and Japan require cost-effective, flexible rental models to suit the reality of the industries.

Government Regulations

Countries Regulations & Impact
USA EPA Tier 4 Final requires low-emission compressors; OSHA regulates workplace safety.
India BEE efficiency standards promote energy-saving models; CPCB regulates emission limits.
China China VI standards drive electric compressors; CCC certification is mandatory for entry.
UK Net Zero Strategy prefers low-carbon rentals; BS EN ISO 8573-1 regulates air quality.
Germany EU Green Deal encourages carbon-neutral compressors; DIN EN 1012 regulates safety.
South Korea Energy Master Plan encourages efficiency; KS standards regulate imports.
Japan Top Runner Program establishes efficiency goals; JIS B 8392 controls air cleanliness.
France ADEME policy drives energy efficiency; AFNOR certification guarantees compliance.
Italy SEN plan assists low-energy compressors; UNI EN ISO 3744 restricts noise.
Australia-NZ NGER Scheme drives electrification; AS/NZS 1210 guarantees safety.

Competitive Analysis

The compressor rental industry is fragmented, with a combination of global players, regional experts, and local rental firms competing for market share. The industry is, however, slowly trending toward consolidation as larger companies acquire smaller rivals to increase their geographic reach and service offerings.

Industry leaders in the compressed air rental sector are leveraging innovation, sustainability, and growth to remain competitive. Pricing strategies remain aggressive, particularly in high-demand sectors such as North America and Europe, where construction and manufacturing activity fuels rental volumes. Firms are spending on low-emission and energy-efficient compressors to meet tougher environmental legislation.

Compressor rental companies experienced significant movements during 2024, including acquisitions, product releases, and going green efforts.

United Rentals broadened its market reach through the acquisition of Apex Pumps and Compressors in January 2024, enhancing its presence in the USA Gulf Coast region. In addition, Aggreko collaborated with a European renewable energy company in February 2024 to provide hybrid compressor solutions for wind farm projects, enabling the transition to green energy

Market Share Analysis

United Rentals - ~20-25%

  • Industry leader, dominant in North America & Europe

Atlas Copco - ~15-20%

  • Dominant in tech-based & energy-efficient compressors

Aggreko - ~10-15%

  • Dominant in energy & industrial projects, growing in hybrid solutions

Sunbelt Rentals (Ashtead Group) - ~8-12%

  • Dominant in USA & UK markets

Herc Rentals - ~6-10%

  • Growing in North America with diversified equipment portfolio

Caterpillar (through Cat Rental Stores & dealers) - ~5-8%

  • High brand visibility, particularly in construction/mining segments

Key Industry Players Include

  • Acme Fabcon India Private Limited
  • Aggreko PLC
  • Ashtead Group PLC (Sunbelt Rentals)
  • Atlas Copco
  • Caterpillar Inc.
  • Coates Hire
  • Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation
  • Ingersoll Rand
  • Aktio Corporation
  • United Rentals, Inc.
  • Bredenoord
  • Kaeser Kompressoren
  • Sullair
  • Herc Rentals
  • Maxim Crane Works (also offers compressor rentals)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is propelling compressor rental growth?

Improved infrastructure development, stringent emission regulations, and cost savings are driving broad-based adoption.

How is sustainability impacting compressor rentals?

Businesses are focusing on energy-efficient, low-emission units to keep up with tightening environmental laws.

Which sectors are making the most use of compressor rentals?

Construction, oil & gas, and manufacturing are increasingly turning to rentals as a means of boosting flexibility and minimizing capital spend.

What is the role of technology in compressor rentals?

Intelligent monitoring, automation, and hybrid power systems are maximizing performance, decreasing downtime, and increasing energy efficiency.

What are the greatest challenges for rental providers?

Volatility of supply chains, changing compliance rules, and increasing raw material costs are mounting pressure on profitability and business.

Table of Content
  1. Executive Summary
  2. Market Overview
  3. Market Background
  4. Global Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast, 2025 to 2035
  5. Global Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By Type
    • Rotary Screw
    • Reciprocating
  6. Global Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By End Use
    • Construction
    • Mining, Oil & Gas
    • Power
    • Manufacturing
    • Chemical
    • Others
  7. Global Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By Region
    • North America
    • Latin America
    • Western Europe
    • Eastern Europe
    • South Asia and Pacific
    • East Asia
    • Middle East and Africa
  8. North America Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By Country
  9. Latin America Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By Country
  10. Western Europe Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By Country
  11. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By Country
  12. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By Country
  13. East Asia Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By Country
  14. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Forecast 2025 to 2035, By Country
  15. Key Countries Market Analysis
  16. Market Structure Analysis
  17. Competition Analysis
    • Acme Fabcon India Private Limited
    • Aggreko PLC
    • Ashtead Group PLC (Sunbelt Rentals)
    • Atlas Copco
    • Caterpillar Inc.
    • Coates Hire
    • Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation
    • Ingersoll Rand
    • Aktio Corporation
    • United Rentals, Inc.
    • Bredenoord
    • Kaeser Kompressoren
    • Sullair
    • Herc Rentals
    • Maxim Crane Works (also offers compressor rentals)
  18. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
  19. Research Methodology

Compressor Rental Market Segmentation

By Type:

Rotary Screw, Reciprocating

By End Use:

Construction, Mining, Oil & Gas, Power, Manufacturing, Chemical, Others

By Region:

North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Asia and Pacific, East Asia, Middle East and Africa

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