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

Pile Driver Operator Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median pile driver operator salary in Lake Charles, LA is $66,294 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 5.2% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$66,294
vs State Avg
$-3,642
vs National
$-6,556
Cost of Living
86%

Pile Driver Operator Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median pile driver operator salary of $66,294, which is $3,642 below the Louisiana state average of $69,936. Compared to the national median of $72,850, Lake Charles pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lake Charles's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $66,294 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $77,086 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for pile driver operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for pile driver operators in Lake Charles spans from $38,220 at the 10th percentile to $101,920 at the 90th percentile — a $63,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,950, while senior pile driver operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,280. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Pile Driver Operator Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level pile driver operator earns around $40,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,950
$-4,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,340
$-6,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,280
$-9,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $38,220
25th Percentile $49,140
Median (50th) $66,294
75th Percentile $85,540
90th Percentile $101,920

Pile Driver Operator Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$75,036
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$70,665
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$67,751
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$65,565
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Pile Driver Operator in Lake Charles

Education

Most pile driver operator positions require a high school diploma. Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pile Driving EquipmentConstructionEquipment MaintenanceSafetyCommunicationPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, pile driver operator employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Pile Driver Operator Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open pile driver operator positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Pile Driver Operator Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median pile driver operator salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $66,294 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $72,850. Salaries range from $38,220 (10th percentile) to $101,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pile Driver Operator make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,294, a pile driver operator in Lake Charles earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for pile driver operator pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median pile driver operator salary of $66,294 is 5.2% below the Louisiana state average of $69,936. 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 pile driver operator salary of $66,294 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a pile driver operator in Lake Charles? ▼
Most pile driver operator positions in Lake Charles require a high school diploma. Key skills include Pile Driving Equipment, Construction, Equipment Maintenance, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.