Public Service Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Probation Officer Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median probation officer salary in Lake Charles, LA is $51,815 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$51,815
vs State Avg
$-3,013
vs National
$-8,435
Cost of Living
86%

Probation Officer Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median probation officer salary of $51,815, which is $3,013 below the Louisiana state average of $54,828. Compared to the national median of $60,250, 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 $51,815 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Lake Charles spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $46,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Probation Officer Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level probation officer earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $32,680
25th Percentile $41,280
Median (50th) $51,815
75th Percentile $65,360
90th Percentile $79,120

Probation Officer Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$59,045
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$55,430
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$53,020
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$51,213
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Probation Officer in Lake Charles

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open probation officer positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Probation Officer make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $51,815 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,815, a probation officer 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 probation officer pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median probation officer salary of $51,815 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $54,828. 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 probation officer salary of $51,815 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Lake Charles? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Lake Charles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Risk Assessment, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.