Trades & Labor Louisiana (LA) Rank #24 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Louisiana

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Louisiana is $50,438 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$50,438
vs National
$-2,102
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,800 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,560
$-1,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,840
$-2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,800
$-3,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $32,640
25th Percentile $39,360
Median (50th) $50,438
75th Percentile $65,280
90th Percentile $80,640

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

New Orleans, LA
$54,116
Pop. 383,997 · COL 98%
Baton Rouge, LA
$50,964
Pop. 227,470 · COL 92%
Shreveport, LA
$47,286
Pop. 187,593 · COL 85%
Lafayette, LA
$48,862
Pop. 121,374 · COL 88%
Lake Charles, LA
$47,811
Pop. 80,000 · COL 86%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Louisiana

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Louisiana

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Louisiana:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Louisiana? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Louisiana is $50,438 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $32,640 (10th percentile) to $80,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,438, a heavy equipment operator in Louisiana earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Louisiana ranks #24 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $34,560, while senior professionals earn $76,800.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Louisiana's median of $50,438 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($50,964) and Utah ($50,964).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Louisiana earns approximately $34,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,800.
What city in Louisiana pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $54,116. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.