Average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary in Lake Charles, LA
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lake Charles, LA, earn an average annual salary of $53,890. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,450, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific needs and economic structure of Lake Charles influence the prevailing wage rates for these essential healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,630.
- Outlook: The job market for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lake Charles, LA, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,200 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.91 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Lake Charles compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a specialized need for LPNs and LVNs within the community's healthcare sector.
Salary Overview
The average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lake Charles, LA earns-16.4%below the national average.
$25.9
$1,036
$4,491
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lake Charles is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic growth, increased healthcare needs, and inflation typically contribute to gradual salary increases for in-demand professions like nursing.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
Salary progression for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lake Charles, LA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $45,860 | $22 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $40,418 | $19.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $51,430 | $24.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $67,363 | $32.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $61,630 | $29.6 |
Detailed Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,890 in Lake Charles, LA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an LPN/LVN's salary in Lake Charles is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,200
Total Jobs
11.951
Per 1K Jobs
2.91
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 2.9x the national concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Lake Charles, LA, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.91. This signifies that the demand for LPNs/LVNs is nearly three times greater relative to the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and potentially favorable conditions for nurses seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $55,000↑ 2% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $51,010↓ 5% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $53,790↓ 0% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lake Charles, LA is $53,890. This typically ranges from $45,860 for entry-level positions to $61,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 16.4% lower than the national median of $64,450.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
No, not when compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $53,890 is significantly lower than the national average of $64,450 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
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 ($55,000) and Lafayette, LA.
How does the number of LPNs/LVNs in Lake Charles compare nationally?
Lake Charles has 11.951 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses per 1,000 workers, which is substantially higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for LPNs/LVNs in Lake Charles?
A Location Quotient of 2.91 means that Lake Charles has 2.91 times the number of LPNs/LVNs per worker compared to the national average, highlighting a specialized and concentrated demand for these roles in the area.
Does experience impact LPN/LVN salaries in Lake Charles?
Yes, like most professions, experience is a key factor in determining LPN/LVN salaries in Lake Charles, with senior nurses commanding higher compensation than entry-level practitioners.
How does the cost of living affect the LPN/LVN salary in Lake Charles?
The cost of living in Lake Charles is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $53,890 salary has the same purchasing power as a national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,200 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 11.951 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA