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Average Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary in Louisiana

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Louisiana earn an average annual salary of $47,650. This figure is notably below the national average of $52,680, suggesting that regional economic factors, industry demand, and the overall cost of doing business in Louisiana influence compensation levels for this skilled trade.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,650 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,400.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,850 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters, Louisiana demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.8. This suggests a robust demand and a specialized labor pool within the state, implying a stable job market for those in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,650

The average Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Louisiana earns-9.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.9

Weekly

$916

Monthly

$3,971

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary Distribution in Louisiana

Career progression for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior fabricators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and contribution to complex projects. The percentile gaps in salary data would further illustrate this career ladder.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$23,380$11.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,738$17.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,570$22.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$59,563$28.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$65,400$31.4

Detailed Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,650

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,793

Adjusted for COL (92)

The average annual salary of $47,650 in Louisiana, when compared to a Cost of Living Index of 92 (meaning it's 8% cheaper than the national average), indicates that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively strong within the state. While the nominal wage is lower than the national average, the reduced cost of living can offset this difference, potentially offering a comparable or even improved standard of living.

Job Market Context

1,850

Total Jobs

0.968

Per 1K Jobs

2.8

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Louisiana has 2.8x the national concentration of Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 2.8 for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Louisiana signifies a substantial concentration of this occupation compared to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers may actively seek out experienced professionals, and the availability of talent is more pronounced than in many other regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

Comparing salaries near Louisiana

Hiring Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters make in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for a Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Louisiana is $47,650. This typically ranges from $23,380 for entry-level positions to $65,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Louisiana is 9.5% lower than the national median of $52,680.

Is Louisiana a lucrative place for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?

No, not compared to the national average salary.While the nominal salary of $47,650 is below the national average of $52,680, Louisiana's lower cost of living (92 index) does provide some financial advantage. However, the primary indicator is the lower average wage.

Is Louisiana a good place to live for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?

With a Cost of Living Index of 92 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Louisiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($52,110) and Lafayette, LA.

How does Louisiana's cost of living affect the salary?

Louisiana's cost of living is 8% lower than the national average, meaning that the $47,650 salary provides greater purchasing power locally than it might in a higher-cost state, partially offsetting the lower nominal wage.

What does the Location Quotient of 2.8 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 2.8 indicates that Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters are significantly more concentrated in Louisiana than the national average, suggesting a strong industry presence and potentially more job opportunities within this specialized field.

How many Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters are there in Louisiana?

There are approximately 1,850 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters employed in Louisiana, representing a notable segment of the state's skilled labor force in this trade.

Is the job market for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters growing in Louisiana?

While specific growth rates aren't provided, the high concentration (LQ of 2.8) and substantial workforce suggest a stable and established market for these professionals, likely benefiting from ongoing industrial and infrastructure projects.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,850 employees in the Louisiana area with a job density of 0.968 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.