Creative & Education Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

College Professor Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median college professor salary in Lake Charles, LA is $72,137 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$72,137
vs State Avg
$-4,194
vs National
$-11,743
Cost of Living
86%

College Professor Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median college professor salary of $72,137, which is $4,194 below the Louisiana state average of $76,331. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Lake Charles pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lake Charles's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $72,137 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Lake Charles spans from $38,700 at the 10th percentile to $144,480 at the 90th percentile — a $105,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,280, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,600. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

College Professor Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level college professor earns around $41,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,960
$-12,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,600
$-22,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $38,700
25th Percentile $51,600
Median (50th) $72,137
75th Percentile $103,200
90th Percentile $144,480

College Professor Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$82,202
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$77,170
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$73,814
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$71,298
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a College Professor in Lake Charles

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open college professor positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a College Professor make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median college professor salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $72,137 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $38,700 (10th percentile) to $144,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,137, a college professor in Lake Charles earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for college professor pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median college professor salary of $72,137 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $76,331. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $72,137 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Lake Charles? ▼
Most college professor positions in Lake Charles require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.