Average Accountants and Auditors Salary in Lake Charles, LA
Accountants and Auditors in Lake Charles, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $74,770. This figure is notably below the national average of $94,430, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the Lake Charles market. Local industry composition and the overall economic health of the area play a significant role in dictating compensation levels for financial professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $74,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,630.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 590 Accountants and Auditors, Lake Charles presents a moderate employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.62 suggests that the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated but potentially less robust job market compared to national trends. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers (5.865) provides a snapshot, the lower LQ implies that opportunities may be more specialized or tied to specific local industries.
Salary Overview
The average Accountants and Auditors in Lake Charles, LA earns-20.8%below the national average.
$36
$1,438
$6,231
Accountants and Auditors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lake Charles is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Accountants and Auditors nationwide have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, increasing demand for financial expertise, and evolving regulatory landscapes. This upward trend is likely reflected to some degree in the Lake Charles market, though local economic conditions would influence the magnitude of salary increases.
Accountants and Auditors Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
Career progression for Accountants and Auditors in Lake Charles, as elsewhere, is typically marked by increasing salary potential with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior roles, those requiring specialized certifications, or management positions will see significant increases. The percentile gaps in salary distributions, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as professionals advance from junior to mid-level and ultimately to senior or partner-track roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $48,110 | $23.1 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $56,078 | $27 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $67,050 | $32.2 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $93,463 | $44.9 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $107,630 | $51.7 |
Detailed Accountants and Auditors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$74,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$74,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $74,770 in Lake Charles aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of an Accountant's salary in Lake Charles is equivalent to that of an Accountant earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the salary offers a comparable standard of living to the national average, without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
5.865
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.62x the national average concentration of Accountants and Auditors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Accountants and Auditors in Lake Charles indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of professionals vying for positions, but it also implies that demand might be more niche or tied to specific local industries, such as energy or manufacturing, which are prominent in the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Accountants and Auditors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Accountants and Auditors Salary | $84,140↑ 13% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $74,120↓ 1% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $76,480↑ 2% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Accountants and Auditorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Accountants and Auditors make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Accountants and Auditors in Lake Charles, LA is $74,770. This typically ranges from $48,110 for entry-level positions to $107,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 20.8% lower than the national median of $94,430.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Accountants and Auditors?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the average salary of $74,770 is stable relative to the national cost of living, it falls significantly short of the national average salary for the profession. The lower concentration of these roles also suggests a less robust market.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Accountants and Auditors?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($84,140) and Lafayette, LA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Accountants and Auditors in Lake Charles, LA is $74,770, which is considerably lower than the national average of $94,430.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles, LA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Accountants and Auditors in Lake Charles?
The Location Quotient of 0.62 suggests that the concentration of Accountants and Auditors is below the national average, indicating a potentially moderate or niche demand rather than exceptionally high demand.
How many Accountants and Auditors are there in Lake Charles?
There are approximately 590 Accountants and Auditors employed in Lake Charles, LA, representing 5.865 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 5.865 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Accountants and Auditors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA