Lafayette vs Lake Charles: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $60,455 | $87,948▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.06 | $42.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,325 | $67,756▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,415 | $87,948▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,455 | $87,948▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,346 | $87,948▲ |
| Total Employed | 310 | 850▲ |
Verdict
Lake Charles, LA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Lake Charles is $27,493 (45.48%). 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 Lafayette spans $25,021,Lake Charles spans $20,192. 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 ($102,441 effective) pays 47.78% more than Lafayette ($69,322 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette 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 Lafayette grew 7.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$55,120 (2019) → $59,241 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$61,130 (2019) → $86,181 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors 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 school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Lafayette 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