City
Salary

What is the average salary in Lake Charles, LA?

The average salary in Lake Charles, LA is $54,417 per year.

Salaries in Lake Charles, LA, vary across different job types. The average yearly salary sits around $54,417, offering a fair compensation for many roles. Some of the top-paying jobs include management, business, and financial operations, followed by computer and mathematical occupations.


Job seekers can expect different salary levels based on their industry. Here are some average salaries: management roles average $183,627 per year, while computer and mathematical jobs can reach up to $150,882 annually. Other well-paying sectors include professional and related jobs, averaging $118,136, and life, physical, and social science positions, averaging $101,764 per year. These figures show that Lake Charles offers diverse opportunities for job seekers to find roles that match their skills and career goals.

View jobs in Lake Charles, LA

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

Job seekers in Lake Charles, LA, have access to various high-paying opportunities. Pharmacists earn the most, with an average salary of about $121,196. Other well-paying jobs include speech language pathologists, making about $96,703, and CDL drivers, earning around $86,658. Outside sales representatives and account managers also enjoy good pay, with salaries of about $82,347 and $80,681, respectively. Registered nurses, sales managers, and aircraft mechanics offer competitive wages as well. These jobs provide both financial stability and career satisfaction for those who qualify. Exploring these roles can lead to a rewarding career in Lake Charles.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $121,196 and General Manager with the lowest at $58,302.
  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $121,196
    Pharmacists work in pharmacies and hospitals. They fill prescriptions and advise on their use. They also ensure medications are safe and effective. Companies like CVS and Walgreens employ many pharmacists.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $96,703
    They work with patients who have communication issues. They help improve speech and language skills. They often work in healthcare settings. Employers include hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $86,658
    They transport goods across the city and beyond. They drive large trucks and follow safety rules. Companies like UPS and FedEx hire many CDL drivers.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $82,347
    They sell products directly to customers. They visit businesses and build relationships. They often work for companies in various industries, like tech and manufacturing.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  5. Account Manager
    Average Salary: $80,681
    They manage client accounts and ensure customer satisfaction. They work with clients to understand their needs. Many account managers work in advertising, finance, and tech firms.
    Find Account Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $79,820
    They provide care to patients in hospitals and clinics. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Hospitals and care facilities hire many registered nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  7. Sales Manager
    Average Salary: $72,416
    They oversee sales teams and strategies. They set sales goals and develop plans. Sales managers work in various industries, from tech to retail.
    Find Sales Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. Aircraft Mechanic
    Average Salary: $67,810
    They repair and maintain aircraft. They perform regular inspections and maintenance. They often work for airlines or aviation maintenance companies.
    Find Aircraft Mechanic jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  9. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $63,037
    They sell insurance policies to clients. They assess clients' needs and recommend plans. Insurance agents often work for insurance companies and agencies.
    Find Insurance Agent jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  10. General Manager
    Average Salary: $58,302
    They manage day-to-day operations of businesses. They ensure everything runs smoothly. They work in various settings, from restaurants to retail stores.
    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, can find well-paying roles without needing a college degree. Among the best options are Restaurant Manager, Meat Cutter, and Groundskeeper, offering salaries of around $37,443, $33,397, and $30,217, respectively. These positions provide a strong income and valuable work experience. Servers, Housekeepers, and Baristas also rank high on the pay scale with earnings near $29,438, $28,421, and $26,135. These jobs allow individuals to earn a good living while gaining skills and experience in their field. With these opportunities, job seekers can build a successful career without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $37,443 and Line Cook with the lowest at $24,949.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $37,443
    Oversee daily operations in local restaurants. Manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service flow. Companies like Cracker Barrel and local eateries offer many opportunities.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $33,397
    Prepare and package meat products for retail. Work in grocery stores or local butcher shops. Gain experience in food preparation and customer interaction.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $30,217
    Maintain lawns and gardens for homes and businesses. Use tools to trim, plant, and ensure the property looks neat. Landscaping companies and local businesses hire for this role.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $29,438
    Take orders, serve food, and handle payments in restaurants. Develop strong communication skills and work in a fast-paced environment. Work at places like Chili’s and Applebee’s.
    Find Server jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $28,421
    Clean and maintain hotel rooms. Ensure all areas are tidy and well-organized. This role provides steady work with hotels in the area.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $26,584
    Support servers by setting up tables, clearing dishes, and refilling supplies. Work in busy restaurants and learn the ropes of the food service industry.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $26,205
    Clean dishes, glasses, and utensils in a kitchen. Ensure all items are sanitized and ready for use. Opportunities exist at local eateries and cafeterias.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $26,135
    Prepare coffee and other beverages in coffee shops. Gain experience in customer service and food preparation. Work at popular spots like local cafes and restaurants.
    Find Barista jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  9. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $25,299
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Learn about kitchen operations and hygiene. Positions available in various dining establishments in the area.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $24,949
    Prepare ingredients and cook meals in fast-paced kitchen environments. Develop skills in various cooking techniques. Work in local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Lake Charles, LA

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

Companies in Lake Charles, LA, offer competitive salaries for their employees. Bechtel leads with an average salary of $108,033, making it a top choice for job seekers. Northrop Grumman follows closely with an average salary of $92,544. These figures highlight the attractive compensation packages available in the area. Job seekers in Lake Charles have opportunities to earn good salaries at several companies. CHRISTUS Health and Amedisys both provide salaries around $75,000. Other companies like HHS, CVS Health, and Austin Industrial also offer salaries above $60,000. These options show a range of well-paying jobs in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Bechtel with the highest at $108,033 and McNeese State University with the lowest at $52,786.
  1. Bechtel
    Average Salary: $108,033
    Bechtel is a leading global engineering and construction company. They focus on complex infrastructure projects.


  2. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $92,544
    Northrop Grumman is a defense contractor. They provide military technology, systems, and services.


  3. CHRISTUS Health
    Average Salary: $78,216
    CHRISTUS Health offers healthcare services. They run hospitals and clinics in the region.


  4. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $75,815
    Amedisys provides home health and hospice care. They focus on in-home patient care.


  5. HHS
    Average Salary: $62,189
    HHS is a government agency. They work to protect health and provide essential services.


  6. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $61,430
    CVS Health is a pharmacy retail and healthcare company. They offer a wide range of health services.


  7. Austin Industrial
    Average Salary: $60,048
    Austin Industrial provides industrial equipment. They serve the energy sector with high-quality products.


  8. Lake Charles Memorial Health System
    Average Salary: $54,911
    Lake Charles Memorial Health System runs a hospital. They provide comprehensive healthcare services.


  9. Aflac
    Average Salary: $53,151
    Aflac offers insurance. They provide supplemental insurance policies.


  10. McNeese State University
    Average Salary: $52,786
    McNeese State University is a higher education institution. They offer degrees in various fields.

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

The cost of living index in Lake Charles, Louisiana, shows that living expenses in this area are generally lower than the nationwide average. Specifically, the Housing index stands at 85, which is 15% below the national average of 100. Additionally, Utilities and Miscellaneous categories are both at 90, also slightly below the average, while Groceries, Healthcare, and Transportation are close to the national average or slightly above it. Overall, residents in Lake Charles can expect their living costs to be approximately 92% of the nationwide average. This suggests that the city offers a more affordable lifestyle in several key areas compared to the rest of the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for Lake Charles, LA vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 15% lower.

The cost of living in Lake Charles, Louisiana, offers several advantages when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Lake Charles stand at 85, indicating that residents can enjoy more affordable housing options. This represents a 15% decrease from the national average, making it easier for job seekers to find reasonably priced homes or apartments.


In other categories, Lake Charles also performs well. Groceries cost 95, only 5% above the national average, which means essentials remain reasonably priced. Utilities and transportation each cost 90, also 10% below the national average. This suggests that residents will spend less on energy and commuting. Healthcare costs are at 95, matching closely with the national average, ensuring that medical expenses are not disproportionately high. Lastly, miscellaneous costs, such as entertainment and personal care, are 85, 15% lower than the national average. Overall, Lake Charles presents a more affordable lifestyle in multiple key areas.

There are 1,033 job openings in Lake Charles, LA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Lake Charles, LA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Lake Charles, LA
1,033 Job Openings