Average Machinists Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Machinists in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $54,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $57,000, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living and potentially different industrial demands. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of manufacturing or industrial sectors within this area directly influence the prevailing wage rates for skilled trades like machining.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,180.
- Outlook: The machinist job market in Southwest Louisiana is characterized by a substantial local workforce of 430 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 2.75, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of machinists compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a specialized industrial base that relies heavily on these skilled workers. The density of jobs, with 5.332 per 1,000 workers, further underscores the importance and prevalence of this occupation within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-3.7%below the national average.
$26.4
$1,055
$4,573
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for machinists in Southwest Louisiana have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the ongoing need for skilled labor typically drive incremental salary increases in specialized fields. This upward trajectory is likely influenced by factors such as inflation, technological advancements requiring updated skills, and the general competitiveness of the labor market.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
The career progression for machinists in Southwest Louisiana typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting wages and the average salary of $54,870 suggests substantial earning potential for experienced professionals. Senior machinists, possessing advanced skills, specialized knowledge, and the ability to manage complex projects, command higher compensation, reflecting their value and the demand for their expertise in the local industrial sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,670 | $18.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,153 | $19.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $56,840 | $27.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,588 | $33 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $71,180 | $34.2 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,870 for machinists in Southwest Louisiana aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of a machinist's salary in this region is equivalent to that of a machinist earning the national average in a region with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary offers a comparable standard of living to the national average, without the potential financial strain of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
5.332
Per 1K Jobs
2.75
Location Quotient
Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x 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 2.75 for machinists in Southwest Louisiana signifies a highly concentrated job market for this profession, far exceeding the national average. This elevated concentration suggests that the region has a specialized industrial base that requires a disproportionately large number of machinists relative to other occupations. Consequently, while there is significant demand, the specialized nature and concentration might also imply a competitive environment for new entrants, but strong opportunities for experienced professionals within this niche.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Machinists Salary | $55,970↑ 2% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Machinists Salary | $62,290↑ 14% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Machinists Salary | $54,760↓ 0% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Machinists Salary | $58,190↑ 6% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Machinists Salary | $54,830↓ 0% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $54,870. This typically ranges from $37,670 for entry-level positions to $71,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 3.7% lower than the national median of $57,000.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Machinists?
Yes, with a caveat.Machinists earn slightly below the national average salary, but this is balanced by a cost of living that is also at the national average, maintaining comparable purchasing power.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Machinists?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($55,970) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the machinist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for machinists in Southwest Louisiana is $54,870, which is slightly lower than the national average of $57,000.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.75 mean for machinists in this area?
A Location Quotient of 2.75 indicates that machinists are significantly more concentrated in Southwest Louisiana than the national average, suggesting a strong regional demand for their skills.
Is the cost of living a factor for machinists in Southwest Louisiana?
The cost of living in Southwest Louisiana is at the national average (100), meaning the $54,870 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many machinists are employed in Southwest Louisiana?
There are approximately 430 machinists employed in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area, representing 5.332 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.332 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 Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area