verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Louisiana

Median Annual in Louisiana
$51,700/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$24.86/hr
▼ 14% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Louisiana

groups Employed in LA
7,860
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$58,612 #34 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Louisiana, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Louisiana earn a median of $51,700 per year ($24.86 per hour), which is 14% below the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $37,440, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $75,180. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Louisiana.

Is $51,700 good pay in Louisiana?

Adjusted for Louisiana's cost of living (which runs 88% of the U.S. average), that $51,700 is worth about $58,612 in national buying power — ranking Louisiana #34 for real pay (vs #40 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Louisiana

Entry level (10th pct)
$37,440
$18.00/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$51,700
$24.86/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$75,180
$36.14/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs LA
Louisiana (here) $51,700 $58,612
Texas $50,460 $51,990 +$1,240
Mississippi $47,410 $54,524 +$4,290
Arkansas $44,520 $51,209 +$7,180

Heavy Equipment Operator in Louisiana: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Louisiana?

Heavy equipment operators in Louisiana earn a median of $51,700 per year ($24.86 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Louisiana pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $51,700, Louisiana pays 14% below the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 7,860 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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