Average Petroleum Engineers Salary in Lake Charles, LA
The average salary for a Petroleum Engineers in Lake Charles, LA is $141,550. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Lake Charles, LA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 5.99x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $141,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $204,590.
- Outlook: The current demand for Petroleum Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lake Charles, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Petroleum Engineers in Lake Charles, LA earns-8.3%below the national average.
$68.1
$2,722
$11,796
Petroleum Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Petroleum Engineers salaries in Lake Charles, LA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 23.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Petroleum Engineers Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
The earning potential for Petroleum Engineerss in Lake Charles, LA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $76,200, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $204,590.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $76,200 | $36.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $106,163 | $51 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $153,830 | $74 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $176,938 | $85.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $204,590 | $98.4 |
Detailed Petroleum Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$141,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$141,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lake Charles, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $141,550 to $141,550.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.737
Per 1K Jobs
5.99
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 6.0x the national concentration of Petroleum Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
70 people work as Petroleum Engineers in Lake Charles, LA.
Only 0.737 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Petroleum Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Petroleum Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Petroleum Engineers Salary | $153,080↑ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Petroleum Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Petroleum Engineers make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Petroleum Engineers in Lake Charles, LA is $141,550. This typically ranges from $76,200 for entry-level positions to $204,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 8.3% lower than the national median of $154,300.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place for Petroleum Engineerss?
Yes, Lake Charles, LA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($141,550), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Petroleum Engineerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Petroleum Engineers?
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 ($153,080) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 70 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 0.737 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Petroleum Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA