Healthcare Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Registered Nurse Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median registered nurse salary in Lake Charles, LA is $69,849 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$69,849
vs State Avg
$-4,061
vs National
$-11,371
Cost of Living
86%

Registered Nurse Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median registered nurse salary of $69,849, which is $4,061 below the Louisiana state average of $73,910. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $69,849 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Lake Charles spans from $49,364 at the 10th percentile to $103,888 at the 90th percentile — a $54,524 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,880, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,900. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $49,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,900
$-16,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $49,364
25th Percentile $57,448
Median (50th) $69,849
75th Percentile $86,946
90th Percentile $103,888

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$79,596
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$74,722
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$71,474
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$69,037
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Lake Charles

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open registered nurse positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $69,849 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $49,364 (10th percentile) to $103,888 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,849, a registered nurse in Lake Charles earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median registered nurse salary of $69,849 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $73,910. 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 registered nurse salary of $69,849 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Lake Charles? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Lake Charles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.