Public Service Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median emt/paramedic salary in Lake Charles, LA is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$33,480
vs State Avg
$-1,946
vs National
$-5,450
Cost of Living
86%

EMT/Paramedic Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480, which is $1,946 below the Louisiana state average of $35,426. Compared to the national median of $38,930, 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 $33,480 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Lake Charles spans from $22,360 at the 10th percentile to $53,320 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,080, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $24,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,080
$-3,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $22,360
25th Percentile $26,660
Median (50th) $33,480
75th Percentile $43,000
90th Percentile $53,320

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$38,151
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$35,816
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$34,258
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$33,091
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Lake Charles

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook

Nationally, emt/paramedic 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 EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $33,480 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $22,360 (10th percentile) to $53,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,480, a emt/paramedic in Lake Charles earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $35,426. 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 emt/paramedic salary of $33,480 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Lake Charles? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Lake Charles require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Emergency Medicine, CPR/ALS, Patient Assessment, Trauma Care. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.