Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lake Charles, LA: $56,338 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Lake Charles, LA earns a median $56,338/year (≈ $27.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Lake Charles's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.9), that paycheck buys what $65,622 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Louisiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Lake Charles can expect a median annual salary of $56,338, positioning them significantly below the national average of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs in this region will vary from $45,631 at the 10th percentile to $65,534 at the 90th percentile, according to projections based on 2025 BLS data. The scope of practice for LPNs in Louisiana, particularly in areas such as IV therapy and patient assessment, plays a vital role in shaping compensation. This competitive landscape reflects the demand for skilled nursing at various facilities while indicating the potential for growth in the job market, especially given the expected annual growth rate of 5.70% for LPN positions over the next five years.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,631 | $21.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,505 | $25.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,338 | $27.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,769 | $30.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,534 | $31.51 |
Median Salary Position
17.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Charles
In Lake Charles, LA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,903 (2026 est.). At $56,338, the local median is 17.24% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Charles: You'd be above the median
How Lake Charles Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Lake Charles median: $56,338/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Charles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $58,747 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -17.24% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Lake Charles, LA earn a median of $56,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.24% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 4.10% below the Louisiana state average of $58,747.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Charles has a cost of living 14.15% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Charles, LA has a cost-of-living index of 85.852 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $56,338 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,622 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,540
2025 BLS Actual
$53,300
2026 Current Est.
$56,338
2019–2027 Growth
+54.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lake Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,338 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,549 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Charles metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 38.3% from $38,540 (2019) to $53,300 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,549 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,009 (54.51%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Charles metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,631 – $53,505 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,505 – $56,338 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,338 – $63,769 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,769 – $65,534 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Lake Charles
The local job market employs approximately 890 licensed practical nurses, contributing to a steady demand for these professionals in Lake Charles. With a cost-of-living index of 85.852, salaries translate into a higher purchasing power compared to many other regions, making the area an attractive option for LPNs. The highest-paying employers typically include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which often provide additional incentives such as shift differentials and stipends for certifications like IV therapy. Interestingly, the disparity between the lower and higher end of pay often correlates with the care setting, as long-term care positions tend to offer better compensation than home health agencies or physician offices. Applying effective strategies—such as seeking employment in high-demand facilities and considering opportunities for continued education—can enable LPNs to maximize their earning potential in the Lake Charles market.
More salary data for Lake Charles, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $53,300 for licensed practical nursesin the Lake Charles metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov