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Average Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA

In Lake Charles, LA, professionals in Construction and Extraction Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $53,740. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,030, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the specific economic landscape of Southwest Louisiana, play a significant role in compensation levels.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,740 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,180.
  • Outlook: The construction and extraction sector in Lake Charles is robust, employing approximately 8,080 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.95, this industry is significantly more concentrated in Lake Charles than the national average, indicating a strong and established presence of these occupations within the local workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,740

The average Construction and Extraction Occupations in Lake Charles, LA earns-16.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.8

Weekly

$1,033

Monthly

$4,478

Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA

Salary progression within Construction and Extraction Occupations in Lake Charles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$32,050$15.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,305$19.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,070$24.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$67,175$32.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$76,180$36.6

Detailed Construction and Extraction Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,740

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,740

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $53,740 in Lake Charles aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a construction and extraction worker's salary in Lake Charles is equivalent to that of a worker in a typical U.S. city, offering stable financial footing.

Job Market Context

8,080

Total Jobs

80.571

Per 1K Jobs

1.95

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Lake Charles, LA has 1.9x the national concentration of Construction and Extraction Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 1.95 signifies that Construction and Extraction Occupations are nearly twice as concentrated in Lake Charles compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a strong demand for these roles and a mature job market, potentially offering more opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Construction and Extraction Occupations

Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA

Hiring Construction and Extraction Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Construction and Extraction Occupations make in Lake Charles, LA?

The median annual salary for a Construction and Extraction Occupations in Lake Charles, LA is $53,740. This typically ranges from $32,050 for entry-level positions to $76,180 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 16.1% lower than the national median of $64,030.

Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Construction and Extraction Occupationss?

No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the average salary of $53,740 is stable relative to the cost of living, it falls significantly short of the national average of $64,030 for these occupations.

Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Construction and Extraction Occupations?

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 ($53,490) and Lafayette, LA.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 80.571 jobs per 1,000 workers, Lake Charles shows a higher concentration of construction and extraction roles than the national average, indicating a specialized local job market.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this sector in Lake Charles?

An LQ of 1.95 means the concentration of construction and extraction jobs in Lake Charles is almost double the national average, signaling a strong industry presence and demand.

How does the cost of living in Lake Charles affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $53,740 salary in Lake Charles offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.

Are there many construction and extraction jobs in Lake Charles?

Yes, the sector is well-represented with 8,080 workers and a high concentration indicated by the jobs per 1,000 workers metric.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,080 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 80.571 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.