Lafayette vs Lake Charles: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Lafayette, LA and Lake Charles, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,102 | $132,892▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.15 | $63.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,604 | $107,350▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,440 | $122,764▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,520 | $144,768▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,710▲ | $163,358 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Lafayette and Lake Charles are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Lake Charles is $7,790 (6.23%). Lake Charles's median is -2.90% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $126,106,Lake Charles spans $56,008. Lafayette has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Charles ($154,792 effective) pays 7.91% more than Lafayette ($143,451 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,710)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,892/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,792)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Lafayette grew 28.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$94,390 (2019) → $120,930 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$112,240 (2019) → $128,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Lafayette or Lake Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Lake Charles?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Lake Charles as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Lafayette vs Lake Charles?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov