Dredge Operator salary in Louisiana
Dredge Operators in Louisiana earn a median of $48,590 a year ($23.36 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $42,400 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,740 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $49,640. Louisiana ranks 8th of 9 states for dredge operators pay. The average (mean) salary is $48,710, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dredge operators in Louisiana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,400 | $20.39 |
| 25th percentile | $46,430 | $22.32 |
| Median | $48,590 | $23.36 |
| 75th percentile | $49,380 | $23.74 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $57,740 | $27.76 |
| Average (mean) | $48,710 | $23.42 |
Half of dredge operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,049.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,024.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,868.85 |
| Weekly | $934.42 |
| Hourly | $23.36 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Dredge Operator salary in cities in Louisiana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $49,390 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for dredge operators
Related jobs in Louisiana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $35,340 | $16.99 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $34,490 | $16.58 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $48,950 | $23.54 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $27,600 | $13.27 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $27,710 | $13.32 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $38,810 | $18.66 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | $61,170 | $29.41 |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $64,110 | $30.82 |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $58,900 | $28.32 |
| Conveyor Operators and Tenders | $54,590 | $26.25 |
| Machine Feeders and Offbearers | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Wellhead Pumper | $76,930 | $36.99 |
| Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | $79,970 | $38.45 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $49,320 | $23.71 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Louisiana
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 53-7031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dredge operator make in Louisiana?
The median salary for dredge operators in Louisiana is $48,590 a year, or $23.36 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,400 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,740 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dredge operators make in Louisiana?
The top 10% of dredge operators in Louisiana earn at least $57,740 a year. The top 25% earn $49,380 or more.
What is the starting pay for dredge operators in Louisiana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,400 a year, and a quarter of dredge operators earn $46,430 or less.