Trades & Labor Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Lake Charles, LA is $47,811 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 5.2% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$47,811
vs State Avg
$-2,627
vs National
$-4,729
Cost of Living
86%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $32,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,760
$-3,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,140
$-4,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,800
$-7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $30,940
25th Percentile $37,310
Median (50th) $47,811
75th Percentile $61,880
90th Percentile $76,440

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$54,116
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$50,964
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$48,862
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$47,286
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Lake Charles

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.