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Average Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA

In Lake Charles, LA, professionals in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $43,250. This figure is notably below the national average of $48,350, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,300.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,980 individuals in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 0.9, the job market in Lake Charles indicates a presence that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. While not a major hub, the steady employment numbers suggest a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these essential roles within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,250

The average Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Lake Charles, LA earns-10.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.8

Weekly

$832

Monthly

$3,604

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA

Salary progression within Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Lake Charles, LA, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The increasing percentile gaps in earnings reflect the career advancement opportunities available through dedication and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$23,370$11.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,438$15.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$37,470$18
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$54,063$26
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$65,300$31.4

Detailed Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,250

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,250 in Lake Charles aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a salary in Lake Charles is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary's value stable in terms of local affordability.

Job Market Context

7,980

Total Jobs

79.569

Per 1K Jobs

0.9

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lake Charles, LA has 0.90x the national average concentration of Transportation and Material Moving Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.9 for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Lake Charles suggests that this sector is slightly underrepresented compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where opportunities exist, but the concentration of these roles is not exceptionally high, implying a balanced supply and demand dynamic.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations

Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA

Hiring Transportation and Material Moving Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Transportation and Material Moving Occupations make in Lake Charles, LA?

The median annual salary for a Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Lake Charles, LA is $43,250. This typically ranges from $23,370 for entry-level positions to $65,300 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 10.5% lower than the national median of $48,350.

Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Transportation and Material Moving Occupationss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $43,250 is below the national average of $48,350, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations?

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 ($45,410) and Lafayette, LA.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability?

A local workforce of 7,980 indicates a substantial number of professionals in this field, suggesting a stable job market with consistent opportunities for those seeking employment in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.9 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 0.9 signifies that Lake Charles has a slightly lower concentration of Transportation and Material Moving Occupations compared to the national average, implying a potentially less saturated job market but also fewer specialized roles.

How does the cost of living affect the $43,250 salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $43,250 salary in Lake Charles offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will stretch as far as they would in a typical U.S. city.

Are there significant salary differences based on experience in Lake Charles?

Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or specialized roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting a clear career progression path within the Transportation and Material Moving Occupations sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,980 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 79.569 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.