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What is the average salary in Lake Charles, LA?

The average salary in Lake Charles, LA is $55,015 per year.

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
Job seekers can find many positions that match their skills and experience levels in Lake Charles.

View jobs in Lake Charles, LA

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

Job seekers in Lake Charles, LA, can find excellent opportunities in various high-paying roles. Pharmacists lead the list with an average salary of about $120,000. Other well-compensated positions include technical project leads and speech-language pathologists, both earning around $96,000 or more. Professionals in technical and healthcare fields have strong earning potential. Behavioral analysts and registered nurses also rank highly, with salaries exceeding $86,000. Outside sales representatives and account managers offer good income, around $83,000 and $77,000, respectively. These careers provide stability and the chance to earn a competitive salary in Lake Charles.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $120,083 and Insurance Agent with the lowest at $61,329.
  1. 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.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $97,131
    Oversee IT projects from start to finish. Work for tech companies. Ensure projects meet deadlines and budget.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $96,043
    Help people with speech and language difficulties. Work in hospitals or schools. Create and implement therapy plans.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $86,400
    Study and improve behavioral patterns. Work with patients in clinics. Develop behavior intervention plans.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  5. 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.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. 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.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $78,657
    Provide care to patients. Work in hospitals or clinics. Monitor patient health and administer treatments.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. Account Manager
    Average Salary: $77,298
    Manage client accounts and relationships. Work for companies like IBM or local businesses. Ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
    Find Account Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  9. Sales Manager
    Average Salary: $73,136
    Lead a sales team to achieve targets. Work in retail or manufacturing. Develop strategies and motivate the team.
    Find Sales Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  10. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $61,329
    Sell insurance policies to clients. Work for companies like Allstate or local agencies. Advise clients on coverage options.
    Find Insurance Agent jobs in Lake Charles, LA

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

Discover great career opportunities in Lake Charles with roles that do not need a degree but offer good pay. Consider positions like Restaurant Manager, where the average salary is $37,216, and Meat Cutter, with an average salary of $32,589 per year. These jobs provide solid earnings and valuable experience in various industries. Explore other top-paying roles such as Server and Groundskeeper. Servers can earn around $32,135 annually, while Groundskeepers make about $29,675 per year. These jobs cater to different skills and offer a chance to start or grow a career with competitive pay in Lake Charles.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Lake Charles, LA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $37,216 and Line Cook with the lowest at $25,276.
  1. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  2. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  3. 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.
    Find Server jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  4. 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.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  5. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  6. 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.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  7. 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.
    Find Barista jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  8. 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.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  9. 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.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Lake Charles, LA


  10. 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.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Lake Charles, LA

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

Job seekers in Lake Charles, LA, can find high-paying opportunities with several prominent companies. Bechtel leads the way with an average salary of $108,342, offering competitive compensation in the area. Northrop Grumman follows closely with an average salary of $95,171, making it another attractive choice for professionals seeking rewarding positions. Amedisys also stands out with an average salary of $76,032. Other notable employers include CHRISTUS Health and HHS, with average salaries of $74,532 and $62,676, respectively. These companies provide a range of benefits and opportunities for career growth. Exploring these options can help job seekers secure a well-paying role in Lake Charles.
Graph displaying company salaries in Lake Charles, LA, highlighting Bechtel with the highest at $108,342 and State of Louisiana with the lowest at $52,538.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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 index in Lake Charles, Louisiana, shows a mix of savings and expenses compared to the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs are 15% lower, while groceries are just 5% below the average. Utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs also hover around the national average, with miscellaneous costs at 16% below. Specifically, Lake Charles has a housing index of 85, meaning housing is 15% cheaper than the national average. Groceries stand at 95, only 5% less expensive. Utilities are at 90, and transportation at 88, showing little difference. Healthcare costs are slightly above at 92. Miscellaneous expenses are notably lower at 84, meaning they are 16% cheaper than the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Lake Charles, LA vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 16% lower.

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.

There are 826 job openings in Lake Charles, LA, today!

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

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City
Overview
Lake Charles, LA
826 Job Openings