What is the average salary in Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles, LA offers a range of salary opportunities for professionals. Many jobs in the area pay well, with an average yearly salary of $55,015. This figure reflects a diverse job market that can meet different needs and skill levels.
The most common salaries in Lake Charles fall between $38,273 and $147,909. Here is a breakdown of the most common salaries:
- 39.13% earn around $38,273
- 22.34% earn around $56,545
- 12.06% earn around $74,818
- 9.28% earn around $93,091
- 5.39% earn around $111,364
- 2.78% earn around $129,636
- 2.23% earn around $147,909
- 0.86% earn around $166,182
- 0.47% earn around $184,455
- 0.35% earn around $202,727
- 0.12% earn around $221,000
What are the best paying jobs in Lake Charles, LA?

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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $120,083
Fill prescriptions and advise patients on medication use. Work in pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens. Help ensure patient safety and health.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $97,131
Oversee IT projects from start to finish. Work for tech companies. Ensure projects meet deadlines and budget.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $96,043
Help people with speech and language difficulties. Work in hospitals or schools. Create and implement therapy plans.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $86,400
Study and improve behavioral patterns. Work with patients in clinics. Develop behavior intervention plans.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $86,279
Drive large vehicles. Work for companies like UPS or local freight companies. Ensure safe and timely delivery of goods.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $83,191
Sell products or services to businesses. Work for companies like Xerox or local firms. Build and maintain customer relationships.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $78,657
Provide care to patients. Work in hospitals or clinics. Monitor patient health and administer treatments.
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Account Manager
Average Salary: $77,298
Manage client accounts and relationships. Work for companies like IBM or local businesses. Ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
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Sales Manager
Average Salary: $73,136
Lead a sales team to achieve targets. Work in retail or manufacturing. Develop strategies and motivate the team.
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Insurance Agent
Average Salary: $61,329
Sell insurance policies to clients. Work for companies like Allstate or local agencies. Advise clients on coverage options.
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What are the best paying jobs in Lake Charles, LA without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $37,216
Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth food service. Companies often seek managers with good people skills and experience in the hospitality industry.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $32,589
Prepare cuts of meat for cooking or sale. Use knives and other tools to slice and portion meat. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops, often in busy kitchen environments.
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Server
Average Salary: $32,135
Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and provide information about the menu. Work in restaurants and dining establishments, often in fast-paced settings.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $29,675
Maintain the grounds and landscaping of properties. Perform tasks such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers. Work outdoors in parks or private gardens.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $29,223
Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, or residential buildings. Duties include making beds, changing linens, and sanitizing surfaces. Often involves working in commercial or residential settings.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $26,070
Clean dishes, glasses, and utensils. Operate dishwashers and ensure kitchen areas are clean. Work in restaurants, cafes, and dining establishments, often in busy kitchen environments.
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Barista
Average Salary: $26,017
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Operate coffee machines and take orders from customers. Work in cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops, often in bustling settings.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $25,896
Support servers in delivering food and drinks. Set up tables and assist with serving duties. Work in restaurants and dining establishments, often in fast-paced environments.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $25,730
Assist in food preparation and kitchen operations. Help with cooking, cleaning, and other tasks. Work in restaurants and dining establishments, often in busy kitchen environments.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $25,276
Prepare ingredients and cook food in a commercial kitchen. Work under chefs to create dishes and ensure timely service. Work in fast-paced dining environments, often in restaurants and cafes.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Lake Charles, LA?

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Bechtel
Average Salary: $108,342
Bechtel is a global leader in engineering, procurement, and construction services. They work in various sectors including energy, transportation, and buildings. They offer competitive salaries and are known for their strong benefits.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $95,171
Northrop Grumman is a technology company that operates in aerospace and defense. They provide innovative products and services to governments and military. Their employees enjoy good compensation and career growth opportunities.
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Amedisys
Average Salary: $76,032
Amedisys is a home health care company that offers a range of services including skilled nursing and therapy. They are known for their caring environment and support for their employees, providing them with good pay.
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CHRISTUS Health
Average Salary: $74,532
CHRISTUS Health is a Catholic healthcare organization that operates hospitals and medical centers. They focus on providing high-quality care. Employees benefit from a supportive work culture and solid compensation.
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HHS
Average Salary: $62,676
HHS is a government agency that promotes the health and well-being of Americans. They offer jobs in various fields like healthcare, research, and public service. Employees get competitive salaries and good benefits.
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Austin Industrial
Average Salary: $59,553
Austin Industrial is a construction company that works on industrial and commercial projects. They offer stable jobs with good pay. Their focus is on safety and employee well-being.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $59,025
CVS Health is a leading health services company that provides pharmacy, health care, and insurance services. They offer a variety of jobs that come with solid pay and benefits.
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Aflac
Average Salary: $54,979
Aflac is an insurance company that offers supplemental insurance policies. They focus on providing financial security. Employees enjoy good salaries and a supportive work environment.
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Lake Charles Memorial Health System
Average Salary: $53,858
Lake Charles Memorial Health System is a healthcare provider that offers a range of medical services. They focus on patient care and employee well-being. They provide decent salaries and benefits.
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State of Louisiana
Average Salary: $52,538
The State of Louisiana offers various job opportunities in government and public service. They focus on serving the public and providing essential services. Employees benefit from stable employment and good benefits.
How does the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Lake Charles, LA, differs from the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs in Lake Charles stand at 85 on the cost of living index. This means residents pay 15% less for housing compared to the national average. Groceries in Lake Charles cost 95 on the index, indicating a 5% increase over the national average. These figures suggest that housing is more affordable, while groceries are slightly more expensive.
Utilities in Lake Charles are at 90 on the index, meaning they are 10% cheaper than the national average. Transportation costs are slightly lower, with an index of 88, translating to a 12% reduction. Healthcare costs are also favorable, at 92 on the index, meaning they are 8% below the national average. Miscellaneous expenses, however, are at 84 on the index, showing a 16% decrease from the national average. These metrics provide a clear picture of where costs in Lake Charles differ from the national average.



