Healthcare Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median respiratory therapist salary in Lake Charles, LA is $60,664 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$60,664
vs State Avg
$-3,527
vs National
$-9,876
Cost of Living
86%

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $49,020
Median (50th) $60,664
75th Percentile $73,960
90th Percentile $85,140

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$69,129
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$64,897
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$62,075
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$59,959
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Lake Charles

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.