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Painter Salary in Lake Charles, LA

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

Median Salary
$46,148
per year in Lake Charles
Entry Level
$23,961
Starting salary
Senior Level
$63,897
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
86
14% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$23,961$46,148$63,897
Monthly$1,997$3,846$5,325
Biweekly$922$1,775$2,458
Weekly$461$887$1,229
Hourly$12$22$31

Lake Charles vs National Average

How Lake Charles's painter salaries compare to national figures.

Lake Charles Salary
$46,148
COL Index: 86
National Average
$63,130
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$16,982
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 Painter

Overview

Paint structures and surfaces for protection and aesthetics.

Education

High school diploma; apprenticeship preferred

Key Skills

Painting TechniquesSurface PreparationSafetyColor Matching

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +10% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Painter Salary

See Painter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$58,450
+27%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,040
+26%
Chicago, IL
$63,140
+37%
Houston, TX
$44,980
-3%
Phoenix, AZ
$47,630
+3%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Painter Salary in Lake Charles, LA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a painter in Lake Charles, LA is $46,148 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 painter professionals in Lake Charles can expect to earn around $23,961 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level painters earning approximately $63,897 per year. This represents a 167% 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 $63,130, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a painter's salary in Lake Charles typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $780 per month, housing represents about 20.3% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Painters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 10% 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.