Houma vs Lake Charles: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Houma, LA and Lake Charles, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houma, LA | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,876 | $87,948▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.75 | $42.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,774 | $67,756▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,616 | $87,948▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,657 | $87,948▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,657 | $87,948▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 850▲ |
Verdict
Lake Charles, LA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Houma.
The salary gap between Houma and Lake Charles is $26,072 (42.14%). Lake Charles's median is +36.70% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houma spans $31,883,Lake Charles spans $20,192. Houma 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 ($102,441 effective) pays 40.90% more than Houma ($72,707 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houma if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,948/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,948)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,441)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Houma grew 11.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Houma, LA
$54,350 (2019) → $60,633 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$61,130 (2019) → $86,181 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Houma or Lake Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houma and Lake Charles?
Should I relocate from Houma to Lake Charles as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Houma vs Lake Charles?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov