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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Operating Engineer in Louisiana is $77,707 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Chief Operating Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chief Operating Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $89,154 | $7,429 | $1,714 | $43 |
| Average | $77,707 | $6,476 | $1,494 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,119 | $5,843 | $1,348 | $34 |
CenTrio - Baton Rouge, LA
Louisiana.gov - Alexandria, LA
Dimension Hospitality - Ruston, LA
NORTH AMERICAN LAND DEVELOPMENT - New Orleans, LA
A Chief Operating Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Operating Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Operating Engineer | $74,100 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Operating Engineer | $74,432 |
| Senior Level Chief Operating Engineer | $76,091 |
| Specialist Level Chief Operating Engineer | $79,727 |
| Expert Level Chief Operating Engineer | $81,073 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Operating Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Chief Operating Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Chief Operating Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chief Operating Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $97,133 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $89,363 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $89,363 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $85,477 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $85,477 | $41.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Chief Operating Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $89,154 | $7,429 | $1,714 | $43 |
| Average | $77,707 | $6,476 | $1,494 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,119 | $5,843 | $1,348 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chief Operating Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Dimension Hospitality
Bossier City, LA
Dimension Hospitality | Bossier City, LA
You are a hands on leader with strong technical knowledge and a commitment to a safe, efficient hotel.The RoleLead the maintenance department and oversee b... more
8 Days Ago
Hilton New Orleans Airport
Kenner, LA
Hilton New Orleans Airport | Kenner, LA
Position Purpose:Oversees the upkeep, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the entire hotel facility, including the physical building structure, all mechanic... more
8 Days Ago
Dreamscape Hosptality
Lafayette, LA
Dreamscape Hosptality | Lafayette, LA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Chief Engineer. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Engineer to lead our engineering team ... more
8 Days Ago
Edison Chouest Offshore
Golden Meadow, LA
Edison Chouest Offshore | Golden Meadow, LA
Job Description. Job Description. Edison Chouest Offshore is looking to hire a Chief Engineer (OSV). Applicants should have a license of Chief Engineer (OS... more
7 Days Ago
New Orleans LGBTQ Hospitality Alliance
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans LGBTQ Hospitality Alliance | New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and strategic par... more
7 Days Ago
Astera Cancer Care
Baton Rouge, LA
Astera Cancer Care | Baton Rouge, LA
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s leading cancer care organization, caring for more patients each year than any other facility in the region. ... more
7 Days Ago
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