To investigate the correlation between the decay law of residual stress on the compressor rotor blade surface and the fatigue failure of the blade, finite element analysis technology was employed to determine the load distribution under normal operation. Four representative blades with different operating conditions were selected as experimental samples, and six typical load distribution points were identified on each sample based on the determined load distribution from finite element analysis. The residual stress values at each point were measured using X-ray diffraction method, and an analysis was conducted to examine their relationship with blade operating conditions. The findings indicate that initially, the blade surface exhibits relatively uniform residual stress of approximately − 642 MPa; under normal operating conditions, there is a nearly linear decrease in residual stress value on the blade surface over time, with an average decay rate of about 20.1 MPa/100 h. In areas of load concentration, this linear decay occurs at a faster pace at around 23.7 MPa/100 h; notably lower residual stress values are observed at damaged positions. Monitoring changes in residual stress values in load concentration areas on the blade surface can aid in assessing its operational condition and predicting remaining service life.