Hospitality & Tourism Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Restaurant Manager Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median restaurant manager salary in Lake Charles, LA is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$53,320
vs State Avg
$-3,100
vs National
$-8,680
Cost of Living
86%

Restaurant Manager Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median restaurant manager salary of $53,320, which is $3,100 below the Louisiana state average of $56,420. Compared to the national median of $62,000, 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 $53,320 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for restaurant managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Lake Charles spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $84,280 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,120. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,120 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)
$55,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,120
$-12,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $32,680
25th Percentile $41,280
Median (50th) $53,320
75th Percentile $68,800
90th Percentile $84,280

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$60,760
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$57,040
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$54,560
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$52,700
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Lake Charles

Education

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

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $84,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,320, a restaurant manager 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 restaurant manager pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median restaurant manager salary of $53,320 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $56,420. 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 restaurant manager salary of $53,320 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Lake Charles? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Lake Charles require a high school diploma. Key skills include Food Service Management, Staff Supervision, Cost Control, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.