Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Lake Charles, LA
The average salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss in Lake Charles, LA is $67,800. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Lake Charles, LA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.27x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,140.
- Outlook: The current demand for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lake Charles, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Lake Charles, LA earns-20.6%below the national average.
$32.6
$1,304
$5,650
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries in Lake Charles, LA have remained stable with a modest increase of 9.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
The earning potential for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss in Lake Charles, LA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.8x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $39,320, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $110,140.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $39,320 | $18.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $50,850 | $24.4 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $60,060 | $28.9 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $84,750 | $40.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $110,140 | $53 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lake Charles, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $67,800 to $67,800.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
0.914
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Lake Charles, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators roles compared to the national norm.
90 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Lake Charles, LA.
Only 0.914 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Detectives and Criminal Investigators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $72,560↑ 7% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $64,590↓ 5% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $60,880↓ 10% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Lake Charles, LA is $67,800. This typically ranges from $39,320 for entry-level positions to $110,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 20.6% lower than the national median of $85,370.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Yes, Lake Charles, LA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($67,800), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
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 ($72,560) and Lafayette, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 0.914 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Detectives and Criminal Investigators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA