Average Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Lafayette, LA
In Lafayette, LA, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average annual salary of $35,050. This figure falls below the national average of $45,460, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Lafayette area. The cost of living in Lafayette is on par with the national average, making this salary a key consideration for potential and current professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,310.
- Outlook: The Social and Human Service Assistant job market in Lafayette, LA, comprises approximately 260 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.54, the concentration of these roles is lower than the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially more specialized local demand. The presence of 1.493 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment opportunities within this sector in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Social and Human Service Assistants in Lafayette, LA earns-22.9%below the national average.
$16.9
$674
$2,921
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette is not provided, the broader trend for Social and Human Service Assistant roles nationally has shown consistent growth over the past four years. This suggests that, generally, salaries for these positions have likely seen incremental increases, reflecting rising demand and evolving service needs. Professionals in Lafayette can anticipate a similar, albeit potentially moderated, upward trajectory in compensation as the field matures.
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Career progression for Social and Human Service Assistants typically involves a salary increase tied to experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of dedicated service can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain expertise and take on more complex responsibilities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $27,220 | $13.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $26,288 | $12.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $33,280 | $16 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $43,813 | $21.1 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $50,310 | $24.2 |
Detailed Social and Human Service Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $35,050 in Lafayette, LA, aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to Lafayette for this role does not present an immediate financial disadvantage in terms of day-to-day expenses compared to the national average.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
1.493
Per 1K Jobs
0.54
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 0.54x the national average concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants 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 0.54, the market for Social and Human Service Assistants in Lafayette, LA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are fewer professionals in this specific role relative to the overall workforce compared to national benchmarks, the demand may be more targeted. It indicates a market that is not oversaturated, potentially offering stable employment for qualified individuals, but also highlighting that the specialized nature of these roles might be less prevalent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Social and Human Service Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $37,640↑ 7% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $32,790↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $29,920↓ 15% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $30,480↓ 13% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $35,750↑ 2% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Social and Human Service Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social and Human Service Assistants make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Social and Human Service Assistants in Lafayette, LA is $35,050. This typically ranges from $27,220 for entry-level positions to $50,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 22.9% lower than the national median of $45,460.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Social and Human Service Assistants?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,050 is significantly lower than the national average of $45,460. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Social and Human Service Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($37,640) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lafayette's job market compare to the national average for this role?
Lafayette's job market for Social and Human Service Assistants is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.54. This suggests fewer professionals in this role relative to the overall workforce.
What is the average salary for a Social and Human Service Assistant in Lafayette, LA?
The average annual salary for a Social and Human Service Assistant in Lafayette, LA, is $35,050.
How does the cost of living in Lafayette, LA affect the salary?
Lafayette's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $35,050 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary benchmark.
Are there many Social and Human Service Assistant jobs in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 260 Social and Human Service Assistants in Lafayette, LA, with 1.493 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a moderate presence in the local job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 1.493 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Social and Human Service Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lafayette, LA
- All Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Production Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Management Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Browse All Jobs in Lafayette, LA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Social and Human Service Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA