Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $99,520. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $91,380, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized industry needs driving compensation in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $99,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 48.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,450.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,590 professionals in this sector, the New Orleans-Metairie area demonstrates a substantial concentration of these specialized roles. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 15.93 underscores the region's significant specialization in petroleum operations, suggesting a robust and active job market for these skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns+8.9%above the national average.
$47.9
$1,914
$8,293
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in New Orleans-Metairie have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation for skilled labor in the energy sector, driven by inflation and evolving industry demands.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Career progression for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and take on more responsibility, their earning potential escalates, with senior roles commanding salaries well above the average, reflected in the widening percentile gaps.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $74,040 | $35.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $74,640 | $35.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $105,860 | $50.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $124,400 | $59.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $110,450 | $53.1 |
Detailed Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$99,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$99,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $99,520 in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,590
Total Jobs
3.603
Per 1K Jobs
15.93
Location Quotient
New Orleans-Metairie, LA has 15.9x the national concentration of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers 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 15.93 for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in New Orleans-Metairie is exceptionally high, indicating that this occupation is over 15 times more concentrated in this area than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a highly specialized and competitive job market, with significant opportunities and a strong demand for experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary | $79,630↓ 20% | 57 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Salary | $87,430↓ 12% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Hiring Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $99,520. This typically ranges from $74,040 for entry-level positions to $110,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 8.9% higher than the national median of $91,380.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugerss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area.Professionals in this field earn significantly more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the higher salary translate directly to increased disposable income.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gulfport-Biloxi, MS ($79,630) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the New Orleans-Metairie salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in New Orleans-Metairie is $99,520, which is notably higher than the national average of $91,380.
What is the concentration of Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers in New Orleans-Metairie?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 15.93, indicating that this occupation is significantly more prevalent in New Orleans-Metairie than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in New Orleans-Metairie?
No, the cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary offers greater purchasing power compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
How many Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers work in New Orleans-Metairie?
There are approximately 1,590 individuals employed in this occupation within the New Orleans-Metairie area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,590 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 3.603 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in New Orleans-Metairie, LA