Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
In Lake Charles, LA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $85,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,840, indicating a localized compensation structure that may be influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the area. The specific economic landscape of Lake Charles plays a crucial role in shaping these salary benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $85,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $132,210.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Lake Charles, LA, is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.87, suggesting a presence that is nearly on par with the national average. With a total local workforce of 820 individuals in this sector, the demand appears stable, though not exceptionally high, indicating a consistent but not rapidly expanding need for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Lake Charles, LA earns-6.4%below the national average.
$41.3
$1,653
$7,164
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche in Lake Charles is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing demand for scientific expertise. This upward trajectory is likely driven by advancements in research, technological integration, and evolving industry needs, leading to a more competitive compensation landscape.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Lake Charles, LA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on accumulated knowledge and proven track records.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,850 | $24 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $64,478 | $31 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $76,770 | $36.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $107,463 | $51.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $132,210 | $63.6 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$85,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $85,970 in Lake Charles, LA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of a salary in Lake Charles is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a standard of living equivalent to that experienced across the United States, without significant financial strain or advantage due to cost of living differences.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
8.149
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.87x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Lake Charles is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the field is present and active, it may not be a primary hub for these professions compared to other regions. The job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for professionals seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,480↓ 8% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $72,580↓ 16% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,460↓ 11% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Lake Charles, LA is $85,970. This typically ranges from $49,850 for entry-level positions to $132,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 6.4% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
No, it is slightly below the national average.The average salary of $85,970 is below the national average of $91,840, though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science 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 ($79,480) and Lafayette, LA.
How does the Lake Charles salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Lake Charles, LA is $85,970, which is approximately 6.5% lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Lake Charles?
The Location Quotient of 0.87 indicates that these occupations are slightly less concentrated in Lake Charles compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate presence in the local job market.
How does the cost of living in Lake Charles affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lake Charles matches the national average. This means the $85,970 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations in Lake Charles?
There are approximately 820 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Lake Charles, LA, indicating a localized but significant segment of the workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 8.149 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA