Trades & Labor Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Lafayette, LA is $48,862 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$48,862
vs State Avg
$-1,576
vs National
$-3,678
Cost of Living
88%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $33,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,480
$-2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,220
$-3,780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,400
$-5,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $31,620
25th Percentile $38,130
Median (50th) $48,862
75th Percentile $63,240
90th Percentile $78,120

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$54,116
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$50,964
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$47,811
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$47,286
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Lafayette

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook

Nationally, heavy equipment 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 Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $48,862 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $31,620 (10th percentile) to $78,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,862, a heavy equipment operator in Lafayette earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Lafayette's median heavy equipment operator salary of $48,862 is 3.1% below the Louisiana state average of $50,438. 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 heavy equipment operator salary of $48,862 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Lafayette? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Lafayette require a high school diploma. Key skills include Equipment Operation, GPS/Grade Control, Safety Procedures, Mechanical Knowledge. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.