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City Manager Salary in Lake Charles, LA

How much does a city manager make in Lake Charles? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Lake Charles's cost of living.

Median Salary
$112,662
per year in Lake Charles
Entry Level
$66,524
Starting salary
Senior Level
$155,580
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
86
14% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how city manager salaries break down across different pay periods in Lake Charles.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$66,524$112,662$155,580
Monthly$5,544$9,389$12,965
Biweekly$2,559$4,333$5,984
Weekly$1,279$2,167$2,992
Hourly$32$54$75

Lake Charles vs National Average

How Lake Charles's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Lake Charles Salary
$112,662
COL Index: 86
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$41,458
Lower in Lake Charles

Cost of Living in Lake Charles

1-Bedroom Rent
$780
per month
Median Income
$43,234
per year
Population
82,157
residents
Rent % of Income
21.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 86 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Lake Charles have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About City Manager

Overview

Oversee city government operations and administration.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field

Key Skills

Public AdministrationBudget ManagementLeadershipStrategic Planning

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: City Manager Salary

See City Manager salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$360,256
+220%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+105%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+61%
Houston, TX
$144,950
+29%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+46%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a city manager salary in Lake Charles.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Lake Charles.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Lake Charles, LA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Lake Charles, LA is $112,662 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 86. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Lake Charles's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Lake Charles can expect to earn around $66,524 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $155,580 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Lake Charles's cost of living index of 86 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Lake Charles are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $154,120, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a city manager's salary in Lake Charles typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $780 per month, housing represents about 8.3% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

City Managers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Lake Charles, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.