Since air compressors range from sub-1 HP home models to 10,000 hp industrial giants, there is an extremely wide range of prices. General pricing for basic types is fairly consistent.

very smallest end of the spectrum, the less than 1 HP market, you're probably better served going to Sears or Home Depot and buying one yourself, as opposed to going through a dealer. You can get an adequate compressor for simple home use for under $500.

Most businesses will need something larger, though. The low end of the business market is around 5 HP, and that segment is dominated by reciprocating compressors that cost around $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the brand and extras you choose. At these low power levels, rotary compressors are more expensive: you'll probably pay $2,500 to $4000.

At around 10 HP, prices for reciprocating and rotary compressors begin to even out, in the neighborhood of $4000 to $6,000. 25 HP is about as about as high as reciprocating compressors go, and that could cost $10,000 or more. A similarly rated rotary model will run you $7,000 to $9,000.

50 HP rotary models, one of the most popular sizes, go for $12,000 to $15,000; a 100 HP model will be $22,000 to $28,000, and a 200 HP unit will cost around $45,000. From there, pricing escalates: a centrifugal compressor with thousands of horsepower can cost millions of dollars. See what other BuyerZone users paid for various types of compressors.

Oil-free compressors will drastically increase your costs: you can expect to pay almost triple what you would for a traditionally lubricated compressor of the same size.

Dealers will generally sell service contracts that cover parts and repairs along with the compressors. They're usually pretty flexible: if you have mechanics on staff and don't need that coverage, they'll be happy to simply sell you the parts you need. If the compressor is critical to your operations, you can sometimes pay extra for quicker service guarantees or around-the-clock coverage, but not all dealers will be able to offer this service.

You can get financing or $1 buyout leases from most dealers, if the upfront cost is a challenge. If you have a short-term need, monthly rentals are also available in many cases.

Most compressors are sold new, but there are small markets for both leasing and buying used equipment. Since compressors are often central to critical business processes, purchasing new equipment is usually your best bet. Also, air compressors are reliable and not subject to technological obsolescence, so owners tend to hang on to them for a long time, reducing the number available in the used market.

Buying new gets you the associated warranties and service contracts, as well. Base manufacturers' warranties are one or two years "bumper to bumper," with additional years on major components.