Average Construction Laborers Salary in Lake Charles, LA
Construction Laborers in Lake Charles, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $47,960. This figure is slightly below the national average of $51,280, a common trend in regions with specific economic drivers and workforce dynamics. Local demand, project types, and the overall economic landscape of Lake Charles significantly influence compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,960.
- Outlook: The construction labor market in Lake Charles presents a robust picture, underscored by a substantial local workforce of 2,230 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 3.25 indicates a significantly higher concentration of construction laborers in Lake Charles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for these skills within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Construction Laborers in Lake Charles, LA earns-6.5%below the national average.
$23.1
$922
$3,997
Construction Laborers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lake Charles is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for construction laborers over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Increased infrastructure investment, ongoing industrial development, and a general rise in construction activity often lead to upward pressure on wages for skilled and unskilled labor in the sector.
Construction Laborers Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
Salary progression for construction laborers in Lake Charles typically correlates with experience and skill acquisition. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential available through dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,230 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,970 | $17.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,850 | $22.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,950 | $28.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $64,960 | $31.2 |
Detailed Construction Laborers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,960 in Lake Charles aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a construction laborer's income in Lake Charles is equivalent to that of a construction laborer earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary effectively translates to a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
2,230
Total Jobs
22.277
Per 1K Jobs
3.25
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 3.3x the national concentration of Construction Laborers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 3.25, Lake Charles exhibits a highly concentrated market for construction laborers, far exceeding the national average. This indicates that the demand for these workers is disproportionately high relative to the rest of the country, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and favorable opportunities for laborers seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Construction Laborers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Construction Laborers Salary | $40,500↓ 16% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Construction Laborers Salary | $42,160↓ 12% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Construction Laborers Salary | $41,820↓ 13% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Construction Laborerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Construction Laborers make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Construction Laborers in Lake Charles, LA is $47,960. This typically ranges from $31,230 for entry-level positions to $64,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 6.5% lower than the national median of $51,280.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Construction Laborerss?
Yes, with a strong concentration of jobs.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the extremely high Location Quotient of 3.25 signifies a robust demand for construction laborers, indicating ample job opportunities and potential for competitive compensation within the local market.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Construction Laborers?
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 ($40,500) and Lafayette, LA.
How does the cost of living in Lake Charles affect construction laborer salaries?
The cost of living in Lake Charles is at the national average (100). This means the $47,960 average salary for construction laborers provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the compensation competitive in terms of real value.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.25 mean for construction laborers in Lake Charles?
A Location Quotient of 3.25 indicates that construction laborers are 3.25 times more concentrated in Lake Charles than the national average. This suggests a high demand and a specialized job market for these professionals in the area.
How many construction laborers are there in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles has a total local workforce of 2,230 construction laborers, reflecting a significant presence of this occupation within the region's employment landscape.
Are construction laborer jobs abundant in Lake Charles compared to other areas?
Yes, the job market for construction laborers in Lake Charles is notably abundant, as evidenced by the high Location Quotient and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (22.277), which is significantly higher than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,230 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 22.277 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Construction Laborers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA