Healthcare Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Surgeon Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median surgeon salary in Lake Charles, LA is $219,395 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$219,395
vs State Avg
$-12,755
vs National
$-35,715
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lake Charles offers a median surgeon salary of $219,395, which is $12,755 below the Louisiana state average of $232,150. Compared to the national median of $255,110, 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 $219,395 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $255,110 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for surgeons seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for surgeons in Lake Charles spans from $103,200 at the 10th percentile to $361,200 at the 90th percentile — a $258,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $111,800, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $344,000. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Surgeon Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level surgeon earns around $111,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $344,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$111,800
$-18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$223,600
$-36,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$344,000
$-56,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $103,200
25th Percentile $150,500
Median (50th) $219,395
75th Percentile $301,000
90th Percentile $361,200

Surgeon Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$250,008
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$234,701
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$224,497
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$216,844
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Surgeon in Lake Charles

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, surgeon 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 Surgeon Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open surgeon positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Surgeon make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $219,395 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $103,200 (10th percentile) to $361,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $219,395, a surgeon in Lake Charles earns approximately $105 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median surgeon salary of $219,395 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $232,150. 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 surgeon salary of $219,395 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Lake Charles? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Lake Charles require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Surgery, Anatomy, Patient Care, Decision Making. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.