Creative & Education Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Lafayette, LA is $54,287 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$54,287
vs State Avg
$-1,851
vs National
$-7,403
Cost of Living
88%

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $54,287, which is $1,851 below the Louisiana state average of $56,138. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $54,287 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,690 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for teacher (k-12)s seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Lafayette spans from $36,432 at the 10th percentile to $88,880 at the 90th percentile — a $52,448 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-11,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $36,432
25th Percentile $42,944
Median (50th) $54,287
75th Percentile $69,696
90th Percentile $88,880

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$60,456
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$56,755
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$53,053
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$52,437
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Lafayette

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $54,287 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $36,432 (10th percentile) to $88,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,287, a teacher (k-12) in Lafayette earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Lafayette's median teacher (k-12) salary of $54,287 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $56,138. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $54,287 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Lafayette? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Lafayette require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.