Average Machinists Salary in Lafayette, LA
Machinists in Lafayette, Louisiana earn an average annual salary of $54,760. This figure is slightly below the national average of $57,000, a common occurrence in regions with specific industrial demands and a localized workforce composition. The economic landscape and industry concentration in Lafayette directly influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,050.
- Outlook: Lafayette, LA boasts a robust job market for Machinists, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,050 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 3.08 indicates a significantly higher concentration of Machinists in Lafayette compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Lafayette, LA earns-3.9%below the national average.
$26.3
$1,053
$4,563
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Machinist salaries in Lafayette have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, technological advancements in machining, and increasing demand for skilled trades likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these professionals.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
The career path for Machinists in Lafayette offers significant earning potential through experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The discernible gaps between entry-level and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,260 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,070 | $19.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,750 | $24.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,450 | $32.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $73,050 | $35.1 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
A Machinist's average annual salary of $54,760 in Lafayette, LA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Machinist's salary in Lafayette is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
1,050
Total Jobs
5.97
Per 1K Jobs
3.08
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 3.1x the national concentration of Machinists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 3.08 for Machinists in Lafayette is a powerful indicator of a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This suggests that Lafayette is a key hub for machining professions, offering abundant opportunities for skilled workers but also implying a competitive environment where expertise is highly valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Machinists Salary | $62,290↑ 14% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Machinists Salary | $54,870↑ 0% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Machinists Salary | $55,130↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Machinists Salary | $53,650↓ 2% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Machinists Salary | $67,180↑ 23% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Lafayette, LA is $54,760. This typically ranges from $38,260 for entry-level positions to $73,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 3.9% lower than the national median of $57,000.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Machinists?
Yes, Lafayette, LA offers a stable and concentrated market for Machinists.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs and a cost of living at the national average make it a financially sound location for Machinists.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Machinists?
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 ($62,290) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Machinists in Lafayette compare nationally?
With 5.97 Machinists per 1,000 workers, Lafayette shows a significantly higher concentration than the national average, indicating a strong local demand for this trade.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Machinists in Lafayette?
An LQ of 3.08 means Machinists are over three times more concentrated in Lafayette than the national average, signifying a specialized and robust local industry for this role.
How does the cost of living affect a Machinist's salary in Lafayette?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lafayette's cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $54,760 salary provides average national purchasing power.
What does the total local workforce of 1,050 Machinists imply?
A workforce of 1,050 Machinists indicates a substantial and established presence of the profession within Lafayette, suggesting consistent job availability and industry support.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 5.97 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA