Construction & Real Estate Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Crane Operator Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median crane operator salary in Lafayette, LA is $56,628 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$56,628
vs State Avg
$-1,931
vs National
$-7,722
Cost of Living
88%

Crane Operator Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median crane operator salary of $56,628, which is $1,931 below the Louisiana state average of $58,559. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,628 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Lafayette spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $56,628
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $88,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$63,063
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$59,202
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$55,341
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$54,698
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Crane Operator in Lafayette

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open crane operator positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Crane Operator make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $56,628 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,628, a crane operator in Lafayette earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Lafayette's median crane operator salary of $56,628 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $58,559. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $56,628 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Lafayette? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Lafayette require a high school diploma. Key skills include Crane Operation, Load Calculation, Safety Protocols, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.