Science & Research Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Environmental Scientist Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median environmental scientist salary in Lake Charles, LA is $65,816 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$65,816
vs State Avg
$-3,826
vs National
$-10,714
Cost of Living
86%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median environmental scientist salary of $65,816, which is $3,826 below the Louisiana state average of $69,642. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 $65,816 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Lake Charles spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $108,360 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $50,740
Median (50th) $65,816
75th Percentile $85,140
90th Percentile $108,360

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$74,999
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$70,408
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$67,346
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$65,051
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Lake Charles

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $65,816 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $108,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,816, a environmental scientist in Lake Charles earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median environmental scientist salary of $65,816 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $69,642. 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 environmental scientist salary of $65,816 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Lake Charles? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Lake Charles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.