Lake Charles vs Metairie: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Lake Charles, LA and Metairie, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Charles, LA | Metairie, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,466▲ | $38,749 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.45▲ | $18.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,953▲ | $28,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,973▲ | $33,440 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,466 | $41,633▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $40,466 | $52,548▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,510▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Lake Charles, LA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Metairie.
The salary gap between Lake Charles and Metairie is $1,717 (4.43%). Lake Charles's median is -15.63% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Charles spans $8,513,Metairie spans $23,773. Metairie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Charles ($47,135 effective) pays 9.84% more than Metairie ($42,911 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,466/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,135)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Metairie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,548)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Lake Charles grew 43.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Metairie over the same period.
Lake Charles, LA
$26,880 (2019) → $38,550 (2025)
Metairie, LA
$31,122 (2024) → $36,914 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Charles, LA
Metairie, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Lake Charles or Metairie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Charles and Metairie?
Should I relocate from Lake Charles to Metairie as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Lake Charles vs Metairie?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov