Average Opticians, Dispensing Salary in Lake Charles, LA
The average salary for Opticians, Dispensings in Lake Charles, LA is $36,130. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,330.
- Outlook: The current demand for Opticians, Dispensings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lake Charles, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Opticians, Dispensing in Lake Charles, LA earns-27.7%below the national average.
$17.4
$695
$3,011
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Opticians, Dispensing salaries in Lake Charles, LA have shown healthy growth of 14.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Opticians, Dispensing Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
The earning potential for Opticians, Dispensings in Lake Charles, LA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $28,130, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $46,330.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $28,130 | $13.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,098 | $13 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $33,430 | $16.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $45,163 | $21.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $46,330 | $22.3 |
Detailed Opticians, Dispensing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lake Charles, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $36,130 to $36,130.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.465
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.90x the national average concentration of Opticians, Dispensing jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
50 people work as Opticians, Dispensing in Lake Charles, LA.
Only 0.465 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Opticians, Dispensing roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Opticians, Dispensing
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $39,730↑ 10% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $36,960↑ 2% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Opticians, Dispensing Salary | $35,490↓ 2% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Opticians, Dispensings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Opticians, Dispensing make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Opticians, Dispensing in Lake Charles, LA is $36,130. This typically ranges from $28,130 for entry-level positions to $46,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 27.7% lower than the national median of $49,970.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place for Opticians, Dispensings?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Opticians, Dispensing salary in Lake Charles, LA is $36,130 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lake Charles, LA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Opticians, Dispensings?
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 ($39,730) 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 50 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 0.465 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Opticians, Dispensing Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lake Charles, LA
- All Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Production Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
- Browse All Jobs in Lake Charles, LA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Opticians, Dispensing • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA