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What is the average salary in Lake Charles, LA?

The average salary in Lake Charles, LA is $52,127 per year.

Lake Charles, Louisiana, offers a diverse range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $52,127. This figure varies across different industries, with some sectors offering higher compensation than others. For instance, some of the highest-paying jobs in Lake Charles include roles in management, finance, and healthcare.


Individuals in these higher-paying positions often earn salaries that reflect their specialized skills and responsibilities. Here are some common high-salary jobs in Lake Charles:

  • Management: $103,733
  • Finance: $99,719
  • Healthcare: $89,719
  • Engineering: $75,706
  • Information Technology: $61,692

Job seekers in Lake Charles can find rewarding opportunities with salaries that match or exceed national averages in many fields. Understanding these salary ranges can help individuals make informed career choices that align with their financial goals and aspirations.

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

Lake Charles offers several job opportunities with competitive salaries for those seeking rewarding careers. The city provides high-paying roles in healthcare, sales, and technical fields. Nurse Practitioners earn the highest average salary, at nearly $132,000 a year, making healthcare a lucrative industry to consider. Professionals in sales and technical fields also find rewarding opportunities. Pharmacists enjoy an average salary of over $131,000, while Speech Language Pathologists make over $96,000. Jobs like these offer excellent earning potential along with the chance to make a meaningful impact. For job seekers, Lake Charles provides a range of well-paying positions that balance financial stability with personal fulfillment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $131,574 and Licensed Practical Nurse with the lowest at $57,307.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $131,574
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Companies like Ochsner Health and Southwest Louisiana Healthcare Network offer opportunities.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $131,076
    Pharmacists help patients by reviewing and dispensing medication. They work in pharmacies and retail stores. CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens are prominent employers in the area.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $96,133
    Speech Language Pathologists treat patients with communication and swallowing disorders. They work in hospitals, schools, and private clinics. Companies such as SSM Health and Acadia Healthcare provide such roles.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $91,384
    CDL Drivers transport goods and materials. They work for logistics and transportation companies. Firms like Schneider and Werner Enterprises offer these positions.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  5. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $84,974
    Outside Sales Representatives sell products or services directly to customers. They often travel to meet clients. Companies like Avery Dennison and Southwest Airlines need sales talent.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. Account Manager
    Average Salary: $82,643
    Account Managers maintain relationships with clients and ensure satisfaction. They work in various industries, including tech and finance. Local banks and tech firms provide these roles.
    Find Account Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $80,245
    Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare. Ochsner Health and Willis-Knighton Health System are leading employers.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. Aircraft Mechanic
    Average Salary: $73,264
    Aircraft Mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft. They work in airports and for airlines. Companies like Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer such jobs.
    Find Aircraft Mechanic jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  9. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $64,278
    Insurance Agents help people manage their insurance needs. They work for insurance companies and as independent brokers. Firms like State Farm and Allstate are prominent.
    Find Insurance Agent jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  10. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $57,307
    Licensed Practical Nurses provide basic medical care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Facilities like The Hospitals of Providence and Jennings American Legion are employers.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Lake Charles, LA

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

In Lake Charles, LA, several well-paying jobs do not need a college degree. These roles offer good salaries and opportunities for those seeking stable employment. Loaders earn the highest average salary at $34,420, making it a standout option. Housekeeping and groundskeeper positions also provide solid pay, with averages around $31,183 and $30,268, respectively. For those interested in the service industry, jobs like servers and server assistants, bartenders, and kitchen staff offer competitive wages. Servers and server assistants can expect to make around $29,448, while baristas earn around $26,560. Cooks and dishwashers, essential to any kitchen team, earn around $26,376 and $26,139, respectively. These jobs combine good pay with chances to grow and advance in the workplace.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA without a degree, highlighting Loader with the highest at $34,420 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $25,018.
  1. Loader
    Average Salary: $34,420
    Loaders work in warehouses or factories. They move heavy materials using forklifts or other equipment. This job often takes place at distribution centers and shipping facilities. Local companies hiring include shipping and logistics firms.
    Find Loader jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,183
    Housekeepers clean rooms in hotels and motels. They make beds and tidy up guest rooms. This role allows for good tips, plus flexibility in hours. Many hotels and resorts need housekeepers to maintain guest satisfaction.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $30,268
    Groundskeepers take care of the outdoor spaces of homes, businesses, and parks. They mow lawns, trim hedges, and plant flowers. This job offers outdoor work and can include seasonal opportunities. Landscaping companies and local parks departments hire groundskeepers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $29,448
    Servers work in restaurants and cater food to customers. They take orders and deliver food and drinks. This job involves interaction with many people and can be fast-paced. Local eateries and cafes always need servers.
    Find Server jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  5. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $27,049
    Server assistants help servers by setting tables and clearing dishes. They ensure that the dining area stays clean. This role is great for those who enjoy working in a busy environment. Many restaurants and food service companies hire server assistants.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $26,560
    Baristas make coffee and other drinks in coffee shops. They need to know how to operate espresso machines. This job offers a chance to meet new people and can be rewarding. Local coffee shops often hire baristas to meet customer demand.
    Find Barista jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $26,376
    Line cooks prepare food quickly and efficiently. They work in fast-paced kitchens and follow recipes. This job involves teamwork and quick thinking. Restaurants and cafes in the area need line cooks to handle busy periods.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $26,139
    Dishwasher clean and sanitize dishes and utensils. They work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This role allows for steady work and can lead to other kitchen roles. Restaurants and cafes in the city need dishwashers to keep operations running smoothly.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  9. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $25,018
    Kitchen team members help in various kitchen tasks. They assist cooks and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. This job involves teamwork and can offer experience in food preparation. Local eateries often hire kitchen team members for their versatility.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Lake Charles, LA

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

Job seekers looking for high-paying opportunities in Lake Charles, Louisiana, have several notable companies to consider. Bechtel Corporation stands out with an average salary of $108,024, making it one of the top earners in the area. Northwestern Mutual and Northrop Grumman also offer competitive salaries, providing strong options for professionals seeking financial stability. Other companies like CHRISTUS Health, Amedisys, and CVS Health also provide attractive compensation packages. CHRISTUS Health offers an average salary of $83,123, while Amedisys pays around $74,770. CVS Health, known for its healthcare services, pays an average salary of $63,442. These companies present excellent opportunities for those seeking both good pay and professional growth in Lake Charles.
Graph displaying company salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Bechtel Corporation with the highest at $108,024 and State of Louisiana with the lowest at $51,919.
  1. Bechtel Corporation
    Average Salary: $108,024
    Bechtel Corporation offers a range of engineering and construction jobs. They value innovation and teamwork, providing competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Northwestern Mutual
    Average Salary: $99,204
    Northwestern Mutual specializes in financial services. They offer stability and excellent pay, with a focus on employee growth.


  3. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $96,655
    Northrop Grumman provides aerospace and defense services. They offer high salaries and opportunities for advancement in a dynamic field.


  4. CHRISTUS Health
    Average Salary: $83,123
    CHRISTUS Health offers healthcare services across multiple states. They provide good salaries and a supportive work environment.


  5. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $74,770
    Amedisys provides home health, hospice, and palliative care. They offer competitive pay and a chance to make a difference in people's lives.


  6. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $63,442
    CVS Health operates pharmacies and health services. They offer stable jobs with good salaries and benefits.


  7. Austin Industries
    Average Salary: $60,565
    Austin Industries specializes in industrial and energy services. They offer good pay and a chance to work in a growing industry.


  8. Lake Charles Memorial Health System
    Average Salary: $54,908
    Lake Charles Memorial Health System provides healthcare services locally. They offer stable jobs with decent salaries and benefits.


  9. McNeese State University
    Average Salary: $52,116
    McNeese State University offers education and research opportunities. They provide stable jobs with good benefits.


  10. State of Louisiana
    Average Salary: $51,919
    The State of Louisiana offers various government jobs. They provide stable employment with competitive salaries and benefits.

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

Lake Charles, LA, presents a cost of living that is generally lower than the nationwide average. Specifically, the overall cost of living index in Lake Charles is 92, which is 8% below the national average of 100. This lower cost is due to several factors, with housing being notably cheaper at 83, compared to the nationwide average. Lake Charles offers affordability in various areas, such as groceries at 95, utilities at 97, and healthcare at 98, each aligning closely with or slightly below the national average. These figures indicate that Lake Charles provides a balanced and often more cost-effective living environment.
Cost of living comparison graph for Lake Charles, LA vs. Nationwide: housing 17% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

The cost of living in Lake Charles, LA, presents a mix of affordability and proximity to the national average in various categories. Housing costs in Lake Charles stand at 83, indicating that housing expenses are 17% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This suggests that individuals looking to settle in Lake Charles may find housing to be a relatively cost-effective option compared to the rest of the country.


Additionally, Lake Charles scores 95 in groceries, which is 5% below the average of 100. This means that grocery expenses remain fairly close to the national average, offering little savings or extra costs for residents. Utilities, at 97, show a minor increase of 3% compared to the average, suggesting slight additional costs in this area. Transportation costs are at 90, which is 10% lower than the average, indicating potential savings for those who commute or own vehicles. Healthcare expenses, at 98, are almost in line with the national average, with just a 2% increase. Lastly, miscellaneous costs are at 92, which is 8% lower than the national average, offering some relief in various small expenditures. Overall, Lake Charles provides a cost-of-living scenario with both advantages and minor disadvantages compared to the national average.

There are 825 job openings in Lake Charles, LA, today!

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Lake Charles, LA
825 Job Openings