Trades & Labor Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Ironworker Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median ironworker salary in Lake Charles, LA is $52,325 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 5.2% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$52,325
vs State Avg
$-2,875
vs National
$-5,175
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lake Charles offers a median ironworker salary of $52,325, which is $2,875 below the Louisiana state average of $55,200. Compared to the national median of $57,500, 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 $52,325 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,843 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Lake Charles spans from $32,760 at the 10th percentile to $83,720 at the 90th percentile — a $50,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,580, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,080. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Ironworker Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level ironworker earns around $34,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,580
$-3,420 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,780
$-5,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,080
$-7,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $32,760
25th Percentile $40,040
Median (50th) $52,325
75th Percentile $68,250
90th Percentile $83,720

Ironworker Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$59,225
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$55,775
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$53,475
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$51,750
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Ironworker in Lake Charles

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Structural SteelWeldingBlueprint ReadingRiggingSafety/Fall ProtectionPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, ironworker 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 Ironworker Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open ironworker positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Ironworker make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $52,325 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $32,760 (10th percentile) to $83,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,325, a ironworker in Lake Charles earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for ironworker pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median ironworker salary of $52,325 is 5.2% below the Louisiana state average of $55,200. 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 ironworker salary of $52,325 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Lake Charles? ▼
Most ironworker positions in Lake Charles require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Structural Steel, Welding, Blueprint Reading, Rigging. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.