Dredge Operator salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Dredge Operators in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro area earn a median of $49,390 a year ($23.74 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $43,520 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,410 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $49,640. Pay here is 2% higher than the Louisiana statewide median of $48,590. The average (mean) salary is $50,180, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dredge operators in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,520 | $20.92 |
| 25th percentile | $46,170 | $22.20 |
| Median | $49,390 | $23.74 |
| 75th percentile | $49,410 | $23.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,410 | $29.05 |
| Average (mean) | $50,180 | $24.12 |
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 | $4,115.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,057.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,899.62 |
| Weekly | $949.81 |
| Hourly | $23.74 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,390 salary, see how much house you can afford in Louisiana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for dredge operators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Texas | $65,580 |
| New Jersey | $63,810 |
| Iowa | $57,990 |
| Wisconsin | $54,310 |
| Ohio | $53,310 |
| Florida | $52,800 |
| Alabama | $50,030 |
| Louisiana | $48,590 |
| Nebraska | $45,290 |
See Dredge Operator pay in every state or the Louisiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $36,380 | $17.49 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $34,830 | $16.74 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | $46,360 | $22.29 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $28,560 | $13.73 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $39,040 | $18.77 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | $65,490 | $31.49 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $28,120 | $13.52 |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $62,200 | $29.90 |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $38,360 | $18.44 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $51,540 | $24.78 |
| Light Truck Driver | $43,940 | $21.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $63,520 | $30.54 |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | $121,710 | $58.51 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median salary for dredge operators in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro area is $49,390 a year, or $23.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $43,520 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,410 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dredge operators make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The top 10% of dredge operators in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro area earn at least $60,410 a year. The top 25% earn $49,410 or more.
What is the starting pay for dredge operators in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $43,520 a year, and a quarter of dredge operators earn $46,170 or less.