Salaries in Lake Charles, LA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Lake Charles, LA?

The average salary in Lake Charles, LA is $53,238 per year.

Lake Charles, LA, offers a range of salary opportunities across different industries. The average salary in the area is around $53,238. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the region. Salaries can vary widely depending on the job sector and experience level.


Some of the highest-paying jobs in Lake Charles include roles in management, healthcare, and engineering. For instance, managers earn an average of $127,560, while healthcare professionals can make around $109,634. Engineers also enjoy competitive salaries, with an average of $91,707. These figures show that specialized skills and higher education can lead to better-paying jobs. On the other hand, entry-level positions in retail and hospitality start at around $20,000 to $23,340. This range highlights the importance of gaining experience and advancing in one's career.

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

Job seekers in Lake Charles, LA, have several high-paying career options. Regional Manager roles lead to the highest annual income, averaging around $107,772. Other top-paying jobs include Technical Project Lead, Behavior Analyst, and Speech Language Pathologist. These positions offer competitive pay and valuable career growth opportunities. In addition to these, Outside Sales Representative and CDL Driver positions provide solid earnings, with annual incomes around $85,003 and $81,088, respectively. Registered Nurses, Sales Managers, and Insurance Agents also enjoy good salaries, ranging from $74,670 to $58,969 per year. These jobs combine financial rewards with the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Regional Manager with the highest at $107,772 and Insurance Agent with the lowest at $58,969.
  1. Regional Manager
    Average Salary: $107,772
    This role involves overseeing the operations of a company's branch in the area. Managers coordinate staff, ensure smooth operations, and meet sales targets. Companies like Enterprise and local businesses offer these roles.
    Find Regional Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $96,734
    This position requires managing technical projects and teams. Leads ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Tech firms and local businesses often hire for these roles. They focus on software development and IT solutions.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $91,731
    Behavior analysts work with individuals to improve their behaviors. They create plans and monitor progress. This role is available in healthcare and educational settings. Companies like local clinics and schools offer these positions.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $89,450
    These professionals help people with speech and language issues. They create treatment plans and provide therapy. Opportunities exist in hospitals and schools. Local healthcare providers often hire for these roles.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  5. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $87,861
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. They work in dental offices and clinics. This role is essential for maintaining oral health. Local dental practices offer these positions.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $85,003
    Sales reps sell products or services directly to customers. They build relationships and meet sales targets. This role is available in various industries. Companies like local businesses and national firms offer these positions.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  7. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $81,088
    CDL drivers transport goods across the state. They must follow safety regulations and deliver goods on time. This role is crucial for logistics and transportation. Local trucking companies offer these positions.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $74,670
    RNs provide patient care and support doctors. They work in hospitals and clinics. This role is vital for healthcare. Local hospitals and healthcare facilities offer these positions.
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  9. Sales Manager
    Average Salary: $68,181
    Sales managers oversee sales teams and strategies. They set goals and monitor performance. This role is available in various industries. Local businesses and companies offer these positions.
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  10. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $58,969
    Insurance agents sell insurance policies to clients. They assess needs and recommend products. This role is available in local agencies. Companies offer these positions to help clients protect their assets.
    Find Insurance Agent 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. Positions like restaurant manager, server, and meat cutter stand out. These jobs offer a good income and valuable experience. Restaurant managers can earn up to $36,080 a year. Servers and meat cutters also make over $30,000 annually. These roles provide a chance to start earning quickly and build a career.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $36,080 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $25,665.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $36,080
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in local dining establishments.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $33,171
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and provide excellent service. Work in various restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $31,270
    Cut and package meat for sale. Follow safety and hygiene standards. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $28,752
    Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other properties. Perform landscaping tasks. Work for local government or private companies.
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  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $27,594
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, and other facilities. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Work in various hospitality settings.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $27,583
    Assist customers with their needs. Provide friendly and efficient service. Work in retail and service industries.
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  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $26,429
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers and take orders. Work in coffee shops and cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $25,792
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Follow recipes and kitchen safety guidelines. Work in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $25,706
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Ensure a clean and sanitary environment. Work in restaurants and food service establishments.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $25,665
    Support the server in delivering food and drinks. Ensure a smooth dining experience. Work in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Lake Charles, LA

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

Job seekers in Lake Charles, LA, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. Wynne Transport Service, Inc. leads with an average salary of $159,143, offering one of the highest-paying opportunities in the area. Other notable employers include Bechtel, Northrop Grumman, and Amedisys, all providing salaries above $70,000. These companies present attractive options for those seeking well-paying jobs in the region.
Graph displaying company salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Wynne Transport Service, Inc. with the highest at $159,143 and CVS Health with the lowest at $57,088.
  1. Wynne Transport Service, Inc.
    Average Salary: $159,143
    Wynne Transport Service, Inc. is a leading transportation company. They offer a variety of services and have a strong reputation in the industry.


  2. Bechtel
    Average Salary: $107,219
    Bechtel is a global engineering and construction company. They provide services in infrastructure, energy, and other sectors.


  3. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $91,373
    Northrop Grumman is a defense and technology company. They work on projects for national security and aerospace.


  4. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $73,300
    Amedisys is a home health care company. They offer a range of services to help patients recover and stay healthy at home.


  5. CHRISTUS Health
    Average Salary: $63,816
    CHRISTUS Health is a Catholic health system. They provide a wide range of medical services to communities.


  6. Ochsner Health
    Average Salary: $60,446
    Ochsner Health is a healthcare system. They offer medical care and services to patients in Louisiana and Mississippi.


  7. Harbor Healthcare System
    Average Salary: $57,939
    Harbor Healthcare System provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. They focus on helping patients recover and improve their quality of life.


  8. Aflac
    Average Salary: $57,892
    Aflac is an insurance company. They offer supplemental insurance policies to help with medical expenses.


  9. Austin Industrial
    Average Salary: $57,217
    Austin Industrial is a manufacturing company. They produce a variety of products for different industries.


  10. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $57,088
    CVS Health is a health services company. They operate pharmacies, health plans, and other health-related services.

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

Lake Charles, LA, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Lake Charles stands at 86, which is 14% below the national average of 100. This lower index makes housing, groceries, and utilities more affordable for residents and job seekers. Specifically, housing costs in Lake Charles are 25% below the national average, while groceries are only 10% below. Utilities and transportation also remain slightly below the average, providing additional savings. This cost-effective environment makes Lake Charles an attractive option for those looking to manage their expenses while maintaining a good quality of life.
Cost of living comparison graph for Lake Charles, LA vs. Nationwide: housing 25% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

The cost of living in Lake Charles, Louisiana, presents a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Lake Charles stand at 75, indicating that residents can expect to pay 25% less than the average American. This lower cost of housing can make it easier for job seekers to find affordable living arrangements, potentially freeing up more of their budget for other essential expenses.


In addition to housing, Lake Charles also offers lower costs in other areas. Groceries cost 90, which is 10% less than the national average. Utilities are priced at 95, just 5% above the average. Transportation costs are 85, meaning residents spend 15% less on getting around. Healthcare costs are 95, matching the national average, while miscellaneous expenses are 88, which is 12% below the average. Overall, Lake Charles provides a cost of living that is 8% less than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their expenses effectively.

There are 1,309 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.
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Lake Charles, LA
1,309 Job Openings