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What is the average salary in Lake Charles, LA?

The average salary in Lake Charles, LA is $53,287 per year.

Salaries in Lake Charles, Louisiana, show a diverse range of earning potentials across different industries. The average yearly salary is about $53,287, offering a glimpse into the economic landscape of the area. With various job opportunities available, it is essential to understand the salary distribution to make informed career decisions.


The salary distribution highlights a wide spectrum of incomes. For instance, the top-earning 1% make around $182,000 annually, while the lowest-earning 1% make about $19,750. In between, salaries range from $34,500 for those in the 21.83% percentile to $167,250 for those in the 99.1% percentile. This spread indicates that Lake Charles offers competitive wages in many sectors, making it an attractive place for job seekers looking for better financial prospects.

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What are the best paying jobs in Lake Charles, LA?

The job market in Lake Charles, LA, offers competitive salaries for several key positions. Pharmacists enjoy a high average salary of $122,826. Speech Language Pathologists can earn around $96,821, while CDL Drivers make $87,478 annually. These jobs require specific skills and qualifications but provide rewarding career opportunities. Other top-paying roles include Account Managers at $81,781, Outside Sales Representatives at $81,203, and Registered Nurses at $78,129. Aircraft Mechanics, Sales Managers, and Insurance Agents also earn attractive salaries ranging from $72,329 to $65,134. General Managers, while earning less, still offer a respectable income of $59,820. Each of these positions offers stability and the potential for growth in Lake Charles.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $122,826 and General Manager with the lowest at $59,820.
  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $122,826
    Pharmacists play a key role in healthcare. They ensure patients receive the right medication and dosage. Local pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer strong career opportunities.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $96,821
    Speech Language Pathologists help people with communication and swallowing. They work in clinics, schools, and hospitals. Locations like Lake Charles Medical Center provide great positions.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $87,478
    CDL Drivers transport goods and materials. They ensure items reach their destination on time. Companies like Swift Transportation and Walmart need skilled drivers.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. Account Manager
    Average Salary: $81,781
    Account Managers build relationships with clients. They ensure customer satisfaction and increase sales. Local businesses offer many opportunities for growth.
    Find Account Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  5. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $81,203
    Sales Representatives promote products and services. They travel to meet clients and close deals. Firms like Xerox and GEICO need energetic salespeople.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $78,129
    Registered Nurses provide essential patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics. Hospitals like Lake Charles Memorial Health System have many job openings.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  7. Aircraft Mechanic
    Average Salary: $72,329
    Aircraft Mechanics maintain and repair aircraft. They ensure planes are safe to fly. Companies like Southwest Airlines need skilled mechanics.
    Find Aircraft Mechanic jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. Sales Manager
    Average Salary: $68,360
    Sales Managers lead a team of sales reps. They develop strategies to meet sales goals. Local businesses offer many management positions.
    Find Sales Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  9. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $65,134
    Insurance Agents help people find the right coverage. They explain plans and policies. Companies like Allstate and Geico need dedicated agents.
    Find Insurance Agent jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  10. General Manager
    Average Salary: $59,820
    General Managers oversee daily operations. They ensure a business runs smoothly. Local restaurants and stores offer many managerial roles.
    Find General Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA

What are the best paying jobs in Lake Charles, LA without a degree?

Job seekers in Lake Charles, LA, looking for top-paying roles without needing a college degree have several promising options. Positions such as Restaurant Manager and Floor Tech offer attractive salaries around $36,573 and $33,839 per year, respectively. These jobs not only pay well but also provide valuable experience in the service industry. Another excellent choice is the role of a Meat Cutter, which pays about $31,497 annually. Additionally, Groundskeepers and Service Team Members can expect to earn around $30,556 and $29,788, respectively. These careers provide a mix of outdoor and indoor work, allowing job seekers to find roles that match their preferences and strengths.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $36,573 and Barista with the lowest at $26,509.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $36,573
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff and ensure smooth service. Work closely with suppliers and maintain inventory.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $33,839
    Maintain the cleanliness of the casino floor. Sweep, vacuum, and mop as needed. Interact with guests and staff to ensure a pleasant environment.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $31,497
    Cut and package meat to meet customer needs. Ensure quality and freshness of products. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $30,556
    Maintain the landscaping and grounds of a property. Perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and cleaning. Ensure the area looks neat and tidy.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $29,788
    Provide excellent customer service in a retail environment. Assist customers with purchases and inquiries. Maintain a clean and organized store.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $29,274
    Take orders, serve food, and provide excellent service to customers. Work in a fast-paced environment. Ensure a positive dining experience for guests.
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  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $28,021
    Clean and maintain hotel rooms. Stock rooms with necessary supplies. Ensure a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $27,326
    Support servers by setting up tables and taking orders. Help with customer service and food preparation. Work in a busy dining environment.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $27,154
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure a sanitary and well-stocked kitchen. Work in restaurants or cafes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  10. Barista
    Average Salary: $26,509
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers and take orders. Work in cafes or coffee shops.
    Find Barista jobs in Lake Charles, LA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Lake Charles, LA?

Job seekers in Lake Charles, LA, can explore opportunities with top-paying companies such as Bechtel, Northwestern Mutual, and Northrop Grumman. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for those seeking financial stability. Bechtel leads the way with an average salary of $107,741, followed closely by Northwestern Mutual at $100,816, and Northrop Grumman at $94,256. These figures highlight the potential for rewarding careers in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Bechtel with the highest at $107,741 and State of Louisiana with the lowest at $51,728.
  1. Bechtel
    Average Salary: $107,741
    Bechtel offers engineering and construction services. They work on large projects like building roads and bridges.


  2. Northwestern Mutual
    Average Salary: $100,816
    Northwestern Mutual provides financial services. They help people with life insurance and investment planning.


  3. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $94,256
    Northrop Grumman works in aerospace and defense. They build aircraft and technology for national security.


  4. CHRISTUS Health
    Average Salary: $77,113
    CHRISTUS Health offers health care services. They run hospitals and clinics to help people stay healthy.


  5. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $74,438
    Amedisys provides home health care. They send nurses and therapists to people's homes to give care.


  6. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $64,981
    CVS Health runs pharmacies and health services. They help people buy medicine and stay well.


  7. Austin Industrial
    Average Salary: $60,771
    Austin Industrial supplies industrial equipment. They help businesses with heavy machinery and tools.


  8. Lake Charles Memorial Health System
    Average Salary: $55,124
    Lake Charles Memorial Health System runs hospitals and clinics. They provide care to people in the community.


  9. McNeese State University
    Average Salary: $52,457
    McNeese State University offers higher education. They provide degrees and training to students.


  10. State of Louisiana
    Average Salary: $51,728
    The State of Louisiana offers government jobs. They work to serve the needs of Louisiana residents.

How does the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA compare to the national average?

Lake Charles, LA, offers a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Specifically, the cost of living index in Lake Charles is 88, which means it is 12% below the national average of 100. This makes housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items more affordable for residents. The graph shows that while Lake Charles has lower living costs overall, certain categories like groceries and healthcare are close to the national average. This can be particularly beneficial for job seekers looking for areas where expenses are manageable without sacrificing essential needs.
Cost of living comparison graph for Lake Charles, LA vs. Nationwide: housing 22% lower, groceries 7% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 12% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

The cost of living in Lake Charles, LA, is notably lower compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing, for example, has a cost of living index of 78, meaning it costs 22% less than the national average. This makes it an attractive option for job seekers looking to purchase or rent homes at more affordable rates.


In addition to housing, other areas also show lower costs. Groceries have an index of 93, which is 7% less than the average. Utilities stand at 97, meaning they are just 3% below the national average. Transportation costs are at 85, showing a 15% reduction. Healthcare and miscellaneous costs are slightly lower at 88 and 90, respectively, which translates to savings of 12% and 10%. Overall, Lake Charles offers a more affordable lifestyle in several key areas for potential residents.

There are 804 job openings in Lake Charles, LA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Lake Charles, LA

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City
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Lake Charles, LA
804 Job Openings