Average Nursing Assistants Salary in Lake Charles, LA
Nursing Assistants in Lake Charles, LA, earn an average annual salary of $30,600. This figure is notably below the national average of $41,050, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the region. While the cost of living in Lake Charles is at the national average, the lower salary suggests a less competitive market for these essential healthcare roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,560.
- Outlook: The job market for Nursing Assistants in Lake Charles, LA, appears stable, with a local workforce of 870 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for nursing assistants within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Nursing Assistants in Lake Charles, LA earns-25.5%below the national average.
$14.7
$588
$2,550
Nursing Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lake Charles is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Nursing Assistants have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and increased healthcare needs typically drive modest salary increases in this sector, even in localized markets.
Nursing Assistants Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
As Nursing Assistants gain experience in Lake Charles, their earning potential typically increases. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles can command significantly higher salaries. The progression through different pay percentiles reflects the accumulation of skills, responsibilities, and years of service within the healthcare field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $20,940 | $10.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $22,950 | $11 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $30,470 | $14.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $38,250 | $18.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $37,560 | $18.1 |
Detailed Nursing Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $30,600 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Nursing Assistants in Lake Charles will find their nominal income aligns directly with the typical U.S. cost of living. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is not disproportionately higher, offering a balanced financial picture.
Job Market Context
870
Total Jobs
8.648
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.96x the national average concentration of Nursing Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.96 for Nursing Assistants in Lake Charles suggests that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average. This indicates a balanced labor market where the supply and demand for nursing assistants are relatively stable, without a significant oversupply or undersupply of professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Nursing Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Nursing Assistants Salary | $33,420↑ 9% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Nursing Assistants Salary | $30,670↑ 0% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Nursing Assistants Salary | $32,420↑ 6% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistants make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistants in Lake Charles, LA is $30,600. This typically ranges from $20,940 for entry-level positions to $37,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 25.5% lower than the national median of $41,050.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Nursing Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,600 is substantially lower than the national average of $41,050. While the cost of living is average, the nominal pay does not offer a significant financial advantage.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Nursing Assistants?
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 ($33,420) and Lafayette, LA.
What is the average salary for a Nursing Assistant in Lake Charles, LA?
The average annual salary for a Nursing Assistant in Lake Charles, LA, is $30,600.
How does the Lake Charles salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Lake Charles ($30,600) is lower than the national average of $41,050 for Nursing Assistants.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.96 mean for Nursing Assistants in Lake Charles?
A Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates that the concentration of Nursing Assistant jobs in Lake Charles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
How does the cost of living in Lake Charles affect the salary?
Lake Charles has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $30,600 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national average salary figure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 8.648 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Nursing Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA