Healthcare Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Optometrist Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median optometrist salary in Lake Charles, LA is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$108,007
vs State Avg
$-6,280
vs National
$-17,583
Cost of Living
86%

Optometrist Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level optometrist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,080
$-17,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,080
$-24,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $86,000
Median (50th) $108,007
75th Percentile $135,880
90th Percentile $165,120

Optometrist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$123,078
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$115,543
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$110,519
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$106,752
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Optometrist in Lake Charles

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.