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How Much Does a Used Air Compressor Cost?
Used air compressors typically cost $2,000 to $12,000. Most buyers pay around $4,500 for a mid-size portable diesel or a 30-50 hp rotary-screw unit.
The biggest swing in a used compressor's price is whether it is a stationary electric rotary-screw unit for a shop or a towable diesel machine built for the job site. Air output measured in cfm, operating hours, and brand reputation then fine-tune the number. Every PowerHouse machine is inspected before resale, so the ranges below reflect running, service-ready equipment rather than project units.
Price by type
| Type | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small stationary rotary-screw (30-50 hp) | $2,000–$4,500 | Shop-duty electric units such as the Ingersoll Rand MH/ML or Atlas Copco GA series. |
| Mid-size portable diesel (185 cfm) | $4,000–$7,000 | The job-site workhorse — towable, tier-rated diesel power for air tools. |
| Large portable diesel (300-400 cfm) | $6,000–$9,000 | Higher output for sandblasting, multiple breakers, or line work. |
| High-output or low-hour units | $9,000–$12,000 | Late-model machines with low hours or premium air-end condition. |
What affects the price
Portable vs stationary
Towable diesel compressors command more than comparable stationary electric screws because they bundle an engine, chassis, and fuel system.
Air output (cfm)
Price climbs with delivered cfm. A 185 cfm unit sits well below a 400 cfm machine of the same age.
Operating hours
Lower-hour machines hold more value. High-hour units can still be a bargain once the air-end is verified sound.
Brand and parts support
Atlas Copco, Ingersoll Rand, Sullair, Kaeser, and Doosan carry strong resale because parts and service remain widely available.
Air-end condition
The air-end is the heart of the machine. A verified, leak-free air-end is the single most important value driver.
Bottom line
For most Colorado buyers, a dependable used compressor lands in the $4,000 to $7,000 range once you balance size against hours. Decide whether you need shop-fixed electric power or towable diesel first, then match the cfm to your heaviest tool. Request a quote and we will confirm current inventory and condition.
Shop air compressorsCost FAQs
Is a used air compressor worth it?
Yes, for most operations. Industrial compressors are built for tens of thousands of hours, so an inspected used unit often delivers the same service life as new at a fraction of the cost.
What size compressor do I need?
Add up the cfm requirement of the tools you run at once, then add roughly 25 percent headroom. Job-site crews usually land on a 185 cfm towable, while shops often run a 30-50 hp stationary screw.
Do you inspect used compressors before sale?
Every machine is inspected before it is listed, with particular attention to the air-end, cooling system, and controls. We share known condition details with each quote.
Prices shown are item prices from PowerHouse Equipment; freight delivery is quoted to your ZIP at checkout.