Business & Finance Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Fundraiser Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median fundraiser salary in Lake Charles, LA is $55,178 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$55,178
vs State Avg
$-3,208
vs National
$-8,982
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lake Charles offers a median fundraiser salary of $55,178, which is $3,208 below the Louisiana state average of $58,386. Compared to the national median of $64,160, 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 $55,178 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for fundraisers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fundraisers in Lake Charles spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $98,900 at the 90th percentile — a $67,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior fundraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,880. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Fundraiser Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,880
$-15,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $30,960
25th Percentile $39,560
Median (50th) $55,178
75th Percentile $75,680
90th Percentile $98,900

Fundraiser Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$62,877
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$59,027
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$56,461
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$54,536
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Fundraiser in Lake Charles

Education

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

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Fundraiser Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open fundraiser positions in Lake Charles, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Fundraiser make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $55,178 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $98,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,178, a fundraiser 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 fundraiser pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median fundraiser salary of $55,178 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $58,386. 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 fundraiser salary of $55,178 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fundraiser in Lake Charles? ▼
Most fundraiser positions in Lake Charles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Fundraising, Grant Writing, Event Planning, Donor Relations. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.