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.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $47,811 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $30,940 (10th percentile) to $76,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,811, a heavy equipment operator in Lake Charles earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median heavy equipment operator salary of $47,811 is 5.2% below the Louisiana state average of $50,438. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $47,811 in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Lake Charles 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.