Average Firefighters Salary in Lake Charles, LA
Firefighters in Lake Charles, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $40,110. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,380, a common trend in many metropolitan areas where localized economic factors and demand influence compensation. The specific pay scale in Lake Charles reflects the interplay between the local job market dynamics and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,270.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 individuals in this profession, Lake Charles presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for firefighters. The Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests that the concentration of firefighters is very close to the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with the typical distribution of this essential service across the country.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Lake Charles, LA earns-7.5%below the national average.
$19.3
$771
$3,343
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lake Charles firefighters isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving safety standards often contribute to incremental increases in compensation for essential public service roles like firefighting.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership roles can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the career progression and increased responsibilities associated with advancing in the firefighting profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $22,960 | $11 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $30,083 | $14.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $38,070 | $18.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $50,138 | $24.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $53,270 | $25.6 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,110 in Lake Charles, LA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Lake Charles is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without significant strain or surplus relative to typical expenses.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.963
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.91x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that the proportion of firefighters in Lake Charles is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, nor is it exceptionally in demand compared to national benchmarks. It implies a balanced job market where opportunities exist but are not overwhelmingly abundant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Firefighters Salary | $61,940↑ 54% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Firefighters Salary | $37,930↓ 5% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Firefighters Salary | $50,210↑ 25% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Lake Charles, LA is $40,110. This typically ranges from $22,960 for entry-level positions to $53,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 7.5% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $40,110 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there isn't a significant financial advantage for firefighters in this location.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Firefighters?
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 ($61,940) and Lafayette, LA.
How does the Lake Charles firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Lake Charles, LA, is $40,110, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Lake Charles compared to the rest of the US?
Lake Charles has a Location Quotient of 0.91 for firefighters, meaning the concentration is very close to, but slightly below, the national average.
Does the cost of living in Lake Charles affect the firefighter salary?
The cost of living in Lake Charles is at the national average (100), so the nominal salary of $40,110 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number suggest about the job market?
With 200 firefighters locally, the workforce size indicates a stable presence of the profession, but not necessarily rapid growth or high demand compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 1.963 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA