Average Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Lafayette, LA
Rotary Drill Operators in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $47,900. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $70,080, indicating that local market dynamics and industry-specific demand in the Lafayette region play a significant role in compensation levels for this specialized role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,390.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 510 Rotary Drill Operators, Lafayette, LA, demonstrates a substantial concentration of these professionals, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 34.09. This high concentration suggests a robust and established job market for this role within the region, implying consistent demand and opportunities for skilled operators.
Salary Overview
The average Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Lafayette, LA earns-31.6%below the national average.
$23
$921
$3,992
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Rotary Drill Operators in Lafayette, LA, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and increased activity in the oil and gas sector. This growth is likely driven by inflation, increased operational demands, and the need to attract and retain skilled labor in a competitive market.
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Career progression for Rotary Drill Operators in Lafayette, LA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and the value placed on seasoned professionals in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,190 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,925 | $17.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,930 | $23 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,875 | $28.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $68,390 | $32.9 |
Detailed Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,900 in Lafayette, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Lafayette is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
2.894
Per 1K Jobs
34.09
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 34.1x the national concentration of Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 34.09 for Rotary Drill Operators in Lafayette, LA, indicates a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is significantly greater in Lafayette compared to the national average, making it a prime location for individuals seeking employment in this specialized sector. The abundance of jobs relative to the national average points to a competitive but opportunity-rich environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Salary | $73,350↑ 53% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gass?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas in Lafayette, LA is $47,900. This typically ranges from $31,190 for entry-level positions to $68,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 31.6% lower than the national median of $70,080.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gass?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While Lafayette, LA, has a high concentration of Rotary Drill Operator jobs, the average salary of $47,900 is substantially lower than the national average of $70,080.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas?
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 Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($73,350) and others.
What is the average salary for a Rotary Drill Operator in Lafayette, LA?
The average annual salary for a Rotary Drill Operator in Lafayette, LA, is $47,900.
How does Lafayette's cost of living compare to the national average?
Lafayette, LA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
Is there high demand for Rotary Drill Operators in Lafayette, LA?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 34.09 indicates a significantly higher concentration and demand for Rotary Drill Operators in Lafayette compared to the national average.
How many Rotary Drill Operators work in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 510 Rotary Drill Operators employed in Lafayette, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 2.894 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA