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

Geologist Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median geologist salary in Lake Charles, LA is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$71,965
vs State Avg
$-4,184
vs National
$-11,715
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lake Charles offers a median geologist salary of $71,965, which is $4,184 below the Louisiana state average of $76,149. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 $71,965 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Lake Charles spans from $43,860 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $83,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,440, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,400. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level geologist earns around $46,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,400
$-19,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $43,860
25th Percentile $54,180
Median (50th) $71,965
75th Percentile $96,320
90th Percentile $127,280

Geologist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$82,006
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$76,986
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$73,638
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$71,128
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Geologist in Lake Charles

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open geologist positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Geologist make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $43,860 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,965, a geologist in Lake Charles earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for geologist pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median geologist salary of $71,965 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $76,149. 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 geologist salary of $71,965 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Lake Charles? ▼
Most geologist positions in Lake Charles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.