Air compressors come in a wide variety of sizes and weights, ranging from handheld models with one-gallon air tanks to mobile behemoths with 80-gallon tanks that may weigh up to 90 kilograms. Smaller airbrushes and finish nailers can be used on the smaller units, while larger units can power pneumatic cutoff wheels and even automobile lifts. The air pressure generated inside the compressor's tank is measured in psi.

What's more, with many products on the market, it can be challenging to know which air compressor to choose. When comparing tanks, take note of the various pressures and airflows available and the wide range of air compressor prices. To help you choose from the wide range of options, we've identified different types of compressors, their primary functions, and their costs.

Discover rates for a wide range of machinery and equipment in our comprehensive machine hire rates guide.

Air Compressor Costs

How much does an air compressor cost? Below is a sample cost of air compressors:

• Sandblaster - Wet costs $360.00 for 1 day
• Air Compressor 6-12 (PETROL) costs $92.00 for 4 hours
• Air Compressor 2.1 CFM 12V costs $50.00 for 1 week
• Air Breaker (28-30KG) Medium costs $63.00 for 4 hours
• Air Compressor 1000 costs $590.00 for 4 hours
• Air Scabbler 3 HEAD costs $89.00 for 4 hours
• Nail Gun - Floor Secret Air Package costs from $123.00 for 4 hours
• Air Compressor 75-100 CFM costs from $225.00 for 1 day
• Air Compressor 130 CFM costs from $225.00 for 1 day
• Air Compressor 160-190 CFM costs from $255.00 for 4 hours
• Air Compressor 250-275 CFM costs from $293.00 for 4 hours
• Air Compressor 350-400 CFM costs $378.00 for 4 hours

Air compressor cost by type

Air compressors can be divided into two categories: those ideal for home use and those better suited for commercial use.

Home use air compressors

If you're searching for a compressor for your house, you're probably not seeking the most expensive option. You'll be okay with a smaller air tank, approximately 5 gallons or even less. Your compressor will not get as much use as a professional's, and hence, you will benefit more from a less powerful one. The average cost of a simple compressor is anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on your demands and budget. Consider spending extra money if you'll be using pneumatic tools and other high-tech equipment frequently.

Garage use air compressors

Compressors for your garage or workshop need a larger storage tank and greater airflow to operate the heavier tools you'll be using regularly. However, mobility and portability aren't as critical, as this equipment will most likely remain anchored to its current location.

Air compressors for commercial use

A compressor designed to deliver highly pressurised air for commercial use will be equipped with different features than one intended just for residential use. All of these machines must be dependable in the long run, with sufficient power to run numerous tools at once or perhaps only bigger, more demanding equipment in the short term.

However, each industry has its unique requirements, so there won't be a one-size-fits-all solution. Compressors for commercial use often cost much more than those for residential use, with prices ranging from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. For other jobs, you'll need a more powerful machine, as well as a machine and tank that are considerably larger in scale. In addition, you'll need a long-term strategy, which might be pricey.

Air compressors for mechanics

Pneumatic tools are indispensable to mechanics, who use them for a broad range of tasks. If you're working in a workshop, it's possible that the compressor you're using is being used by someone else as well. You'll need strong compressor motors and a large tank size to meet your needs, which means you'll need to budget between $500 and $2,500 per unit.

Types of industrial air compressors

Below are the various types of industrial air compressors:

Multi-stage air compressor

A multi-stage air compressor consists of a sequence of cylinders, each with a different diameter. Heat exchangers cool the air between compression stages. Pre-compression cooling minimises the work required to compress the air further. When using a two-stage compressor, the air is compressed further in a second chamber. These two-stage compressors have two pistons. A three-stage compressor has an extra compression and cooling cycle before this. Depending on its power, a two-stage air compressor's price might vary greatly. These compressors are often used for heavy-duty applications in large-scale manufacturing and high-powered pneumatic tools in industrial settings.

Residential two-stage compressors may be purchased for between $500 and $1,500. Professional versions may cost as little as $1,500 and go all the way up to $50,000 for ones with 200HP.

Rotary screw air compressors

As the name suggests, the rotary screw air compressor is a type of air compressor that uses two rotors to pump air up into a casing where it is more pressurised. Rotary screw air compressors are small, powerful, and smoother to use than reciprocating compressors. When spray painting, an oil-free rotary screw air compressor is preferable to those air compressors that use air.

Centrifugal air compressors

Additionally, centrifugal air compressors use rotating blades similar to a turbine engine to create highly pressurised air. They are usually very powerful and have a higher output capability. They can also deliver pressurised air continuously for an extended period. Thus, centrifugal air compressors are costly. They are best suited for large-scale operations that need constant airflow.

Oil-free air compressors

Generally, oil-free air compressors either have no mechanical contact inside the compression chamber or employ other materials to protect the mechanism without lubrication. A Teflon coating, water, or other non-oil-based materials are commonly used in oil-free compressors, making them suitable for more applications, such as food processing and medical environments where air purity is critical.

As a result, some oil-free designs have even eliminated the requirement for oil-based and synthetic lubrication entirely within the compression chamber. You may be able to save money in other ways by taking advantage of these environmental and purity benefits. This industrial air compressor costs $104 per day.

Natural gas compressor

A natural gas compressor enhances the pressure of a gas by lowering its volume. Compression and discharge valves drive the natural gas out of the cylinder through the intake valves. Gas air compressors have many industrial uses and may be found in both high-pressure and low-volume gas systems. Depending on the type, renting an industrial air compressor costs between $41 and $97.

Electric air compressor

An electric air compressor can either be plugged into an electrical socket or powered by a rechargeable battery. These models are designed for easy transport, making them ideal for mobile contractors and on-site work where power access is limited.

Compressors driven by electricity are more compact and easier to move, but they require a free electricity supply, such as a generator. The power output of electric air compressors is lower than that of gas-powered air compressors, but they are quieter.

With the right model, proper amount of power, and settings, most home air compressors can deliver the HP, PSI, and CFM needed for simple jobs like nailing trim to doors and windows or installing trim with a finish nailer. Depending on the type, you may rent an electric air compressor for anywhere from $63 to $216 per day.

The cost of operating and maintaining an air compressor

Many people overlook some of the costs that aren't immediately obvious. However, these hidden costs can increase the overall cost of your air compressor.

Maintenance cost

Many compressors these days are oil-free and require little or no maintenance. Maintenance is still required for compressors that are subjected to the most gruelling conditions, such as those that run 24 hours a day on 100% duty cycles. Although these machines have various advantages in specialised applications, such as a mechanic's shop, it is vital to consider the ongoing maintenance costs. As much as 12% of the overall cost of your compressor can be used for its maintenance.

Power cost

Because compressors draw so much electricity, you'll be spending a lot of money on electricity if you run your compressor frequently, and it has a large motor that requires a lot of power. Indeed, according to leading air compressor manufacturer Atlas Copco, the cost of operating a compressor will account for 76% of the machine's entire lifespan cost. Only 12% of the machine's total cost is accounted for by the initial purchase price.

Choose iseekplant’s suppliers for your air compressor hire

A compressor may cost anything from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on your needs. iseekplant can help take the guesswork out of hiring air compressors through our trusted suppliers. We have thousands of suppliers listed on our platform, so we can find the best match for your project. Get in touch with our team today on 1300 691 912 or email our projects team to get professional help and advice when hiring. If you want to find the right person yourself, get quick quotes using our Get a Quote Tool and get the job done quickly.