Careers in Lake Charles, LA
Part of Louisiana.
Lake Charles, LA’s regional price level is below the national average (index 85.852, where 100 = U.S. average, 2024 BEA data).
Unemployment rate: 5% · 96,783 people employed (2026-06, BLS LAUS, not seasonally adjusted).
Highest-Paying Careers
See full list →- 1Physicians, All Other$284,440
- 2Architectural and Engineering Managers$191,250
- 3Chemical Engineers$136,810
- 4Industrial Production Managers$136,800
- 5Pharmacists$133,720
Largest Occupations
See full list →- 1Cashiers2,840 employed
- 2Retail Salespersons2,620 employed
- 3Registered Nurses2,460 employed
- 4Fast Food and Counter Workers2,350 employed
- 5Home Health and Personal Care Aides2,140 employed
Highest Concentration
See full list →- 1Chemical Plant and System Operators68.50× national avg
- 2Gambling Dealers16.11× national avg
- 3Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders14.49× national avg
- 4Sailors and Marine Oilers14.44× national avg
- 5Engineers, All Other13.19× national avg
Best Purchasing Power
See full list →cost-of-living adjusted
- 1Physicians, All Other$331,314
- 2Architectural and Engineering Managers$222,767
- 3Chemical Engineers$159,356
- 4Industrial Production Managers$159,344
- 5Pharmacists$155,756
Sources
Wage and employment data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities. Unemployment rate: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). Opportunity Score isn’t available at the metro level yet — see Louisiana state page.