Lafayette vs Lake Charles: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lafayette, LA and Lake Charles, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,520 | $56,338▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.21 | $27.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,087 | $45,631▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,017 | $53,505▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,570 | $63,769▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,819▲ | $65,534 |
| Total Employed | 2,100▲ | 890 |
Verdict
Lafayette and Lake Charles are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Lake Charles is $1,818 (3.33%). Lake Charles's median is -17.24% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $21,732,Lake Charles spans $19,903. Lafayette has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Charles ($65,622 effective) pays 4.97% more than Lafayette ($62,516 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,819)
- ✓Larger job market (2,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,338/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,622)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lafayette grew 36.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$37,690 (2019) → $51,580 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$38,540 (2019) → $53,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lafayette or Lake Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Lake Charles?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Lake Charles as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lafayette vs Lake Charles?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov