Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Lafayette, LA
Light Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA earn an average annual salary of $40,830. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,920, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand or a different industry mix influence compensation within the region. Understanding these local factors is crucial for drivers considering employment in Lafayette.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,790.
- Outlook: Lafayette, LA boasts a substantial local workforce of 1,740 Light Truck Drivers, significantly exceeding the national concentration. The Location Quotient of 1.53 indicates a higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for skilled drivers within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Light Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA earns-14.8%below the national average.
$19.6
$785
$3,403
Light Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette's Light Truck Driver salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation for this role has seen incremental growth, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a positive trajectory for earning potential, though the exact rate of increase would depend on local economic conditions and industry-specific factors.
Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Light Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, offering clear benchmarks for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $22,890 | $11 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,623 | $14.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,040 | $17.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,038 | $24.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,790 | $27.3 |
Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,830 in Lafayette, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Light Truck Driver's salary in Lafayette is comparable to the national average, indicating that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains relatively stable.
Job Market Context
1,740
Total Jobs
9.894
Per 1K Jobs
1.53
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 1.5x the national concentration of Light Truck Drivers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.53, Lafayette, LA, demonstrates a concentration of Light Truck Driver positions that is 53% higher than the national average. This elevated quotient signifies a strong local demand for these professionals, suggesting a competitive job market where opportunities may be more abundant than in regions with lower concentrations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Light Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Light Truck Drivers Salary | $42,570↑ 4% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $36,070↓ 12% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $31,220↓ 24% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $35,800↓ 12% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Light Truck Drivers Salary | $43,760↑ 7% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Light Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA is $40,830. This typically ranges from $22,890 for entry-level positions to $56,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 14.8% lower than the national median of $47,920.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Light Truck Drivers in Lafayette is below the national average. However, the high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Light Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($42,570) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lafayette's job market compare nationally for Light Truck Drivers?
Lafayette has a higher concentration of Light Truck Driver jobs than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.53, suggesting a more robust local market for this profession.
What is the average salary for a Light Truck Driver in Lafayette, LA?
The average annual salary for a Light Truck Driver in Lafayette, LA, is $40,830.
How does the cost of living in Lafayette affect salary expectations?
Lafayette's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $40,830 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary for the role.
Are there many Light Truck Driver jobs in Lafayette, LA?
Yes, with 1,740 Light Truck Drivers in the local workforce and a high Location Quotient, the job market appears to have a significant presence and demand for this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,740 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 9.894 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Light Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA