Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Lake Charles, LA
The average salary for Respiratory Therapistss in Lake Charles, LA is $73,300. 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: $73,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,540.
- Outlook: The current demand for Respiratory Therapistss 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 Respiratory Therapists in Lake Charles, LA earns-13.3%below the national average.
$35.2
$1,410
$6,108
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Respiratory Therapists salaries in Lake Charles, LA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 31.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
The earning potential for Respiratory Therapistss 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 $50,290, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $84,540.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $50,290 | $24.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $54,975 | $26.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $76,100 | $36.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $91,625 | $44.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $84,540 | $40.6 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lake Charles, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $73,300 to $73,300.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.539
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.61x the national average concentration of Respiratory Therapists 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 Respiratory Therapists in Lake Charles, LA.
Only 0.539 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Respiratory Therapists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Respiratory Therapists Salary | $70,890↓ 3% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Respiratory Therapists Salary | $73,050↓ 0% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Respiratory Therapists Salary | $71,960↓ 2% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Lake Charles, LA is $73,300. This typically ranges from $50,290 for entry-level positions to $84,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 13.3% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place for Respiratory Therapistss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Respiratory Therapists salary in Lake Charles, LA is $73,300 (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 Respiratory Therapists?
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 ($70,890) 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 0.539 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Respiratory Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA