Average Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in Lafayette, LA
Service Unit Operators in the oil and gas sector in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $51,280. This figure is notably below the national average of $61,540. The localized pay scale in Lafayette is influenced by the specific demands and economic conditions of the regional energy industry, which can differ significantly from national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,160.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 600 Service Unit Operators, Lafayette demonstrates a substantial concentration of this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 11.95. This high concentration suggests a robust local demand for these specialized roles, implying a stable job market for skilled individuals within the region's oil and gas operations.
Salary Overview
The average Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas in Lafayette, LA earns-16.7%below the national average.
$24.7
$986
$4,273
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Service Unit Operators in the oil and gas industry have experienced moderate growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This suggests a positive trajectory for earning potential in this field within Lafayette.
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Service Unit Operators in Lafayette, LA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,400 | $18 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,460 | $18.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,290 | $22.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,100 | $30.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,160 | $35.7 |
Detailed Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $51,280 in Lafayette, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in Lafayette is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
3.421
Per 1K Jobs
11.95
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 11.9x the national concentration of Service Unit 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 11.95 for Service Unit Operators in Lafayette signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the region is a significant hub for this profession, with a demand that far outstrips the national average relative to its workforce size, suggesting strong local employment prospects.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary | $56,620↑ 10% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary | $61,180↑ 19% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary | $56,260↑ 10% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gass?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas in Lafayette, LA is $51,280. This typically ranges from $37,400 for entry-level positions to $74,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 16.7% lower than the national median of $61,540.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While Lafayette has a high concentration of these jobs, the average salary of $51,280 is below the national average of $61,540. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Service Unit 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 Baton Rouge, LA ($56,620) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Service Unit Operator in Lafayette, LA?
The average annual salary for a Service Unit Operator in Lafayette, LA, is $51,280.
How does Lafayette's salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Lafayette ($51,280) is lower than the national average ($61,540) for Service Unit Operators.
What does the Location Quotient of 11.95 mean for this role in Lafayette?
A Location Quotient of 11.95 indicates that Lafayette has a significantly higher concentration of Service Unit Operators compared to the national average, suggesting strong local industry presence and demand.
How does the cost of living in Lafayette affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lafayette's cost of living matches the national average, meaning the $51,280 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 3.421 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA