Healthcare Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Dietitian Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median dietitian salary in Lake Charles, LA is $57,147 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$57,147
vs State Avg
$-3,323
vs National
$-9,303
Cost of Living
86%

Dietitian Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median dietitian salary of $57,147, which is $3,323 below the Louisiana state average of $60,470. Compared to the national median of $66,450, 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 $57,147 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $66,450 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for dietitians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dietitians in Lake Charles spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $85,140 at the 90th percentile — a $49,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,700, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dietitian Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level dietitian earns around $38,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,480
$-9,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $45,580
Median (50th) $57,147
75th Percentile $71,380
90th Percentile $85,140

Dietitian Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$65,121
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$61,134
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$58,476
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$56,483
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Dietitian in Lake Charles

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, dietitian employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dietitian Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open dietitian positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Dietitian make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $57,147 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $85,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,147, a dietitian in Lake Charles earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for dietitian pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median dietitian salary of $57,147 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $60,470. 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 dietitian salary of $57,147 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in Lake Charles? ▼
Most dietitian positions in Lake Charles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Nutrition Therapy, Meal Planning, Patient Counseling, Food Science. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.