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

Plumber Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median plumber salary in Lake Charles, LA is $54,491 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 5.2% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$54,491
vs State Avg
$-2,994
vs National
$-5,389
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lake Charles offers a median plumber salary of $54,491, which is $2,994 below the Louisiana state average of $57,485. Compared to the national median of $59,880, 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 $54,491 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,362 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for plumbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for plumbers in Lake Charles spans from $33,124 at the 10th percentile to $90,272 at the 90th percentile — a $57,148 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,940, while senior plumbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,720. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Plumber Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level plumber earns around $30,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,940
$-3,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,600
$-5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,720
$-8,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $33,124
25th Percentile $41,678
Median (50th) $54,491
75th Percentile $71,162
90th Percentile $90,272

Plumber Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$61,676
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$58,084
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$55,688
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$53,892
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Plumber in Lake Charles

Education

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

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Plumber Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open plumber positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Plumber make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median plumber salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $54,491 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $33,124 (10th percentile) to $90,272 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,491, a plumber in Lake Charles earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for plumber pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median plumber salary of $54,491 is 5.2% below the Louisiana state average of $57,485. 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 plumber salary of $54,491 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a plumber in Lake Charles? ▼
Most plumber positions in Lake Charles require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Pipe Fitting, Blueprint Reading, Plumbing Code, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.