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.