Public Service Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Firefighter Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median firefighter salary in Lake Charles, LA is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$44,445
vs State Avg
$-2,584
vs National
$-7,235
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lake Charles offers a median firefighter salary of $44,445, which is $2,584 below the Louisiana state average of $47,029. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 $44,445 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Lake Charles spans from $25,456 at the 10th percentile to $79,808 at the 90th percentile — a $54,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level firefighter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $25,456
25th Percentile $33,196
Median (50th) $44,445
75th Percentile $61,232
90th Percentile $79,808

Firefighter Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$50,646
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$47,546
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$45,478
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$43,928
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Firefighter in Lake Charles

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open firefighter positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Firefighter make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $25,456 (10th percentile) to $79,808 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,445, a firefighter in Lake Charles earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median firefighter salary of $44,445 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $47,029. 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 firefighter salary of $44,445 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Lake Charles? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Lake Charles require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.