Trades & Labor Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Welder Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median welder salary in Lake Charles, LA is $42,779 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 5.2% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$42,779
vs State Avg
$-2,351
vs National
$-4,231
Cost of Living
86%

Welder Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level welder earns around $29,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,880
$-6,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $30,212
25th Percentile $35,308
Median (50th) $42,779
75th Percentile $52,962
90th Percentile $64,428

Welder Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$48,420
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$45,600
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$43,719
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$42,309
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Welder in Lake Charles

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.