Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Lake Charles, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,664 | $64,937▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.32 | $31.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,473 | $38,840▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,500 | $47,671▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,576 | $83,120▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,730 | $100,653▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Lake Charles, LA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baton Rouge.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles is $12,273 (23.30%). Lake Charles's median is -19.23% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $50,257,Lake Charles spans $61,813. Lake Charles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Charles ($71,913 effective) pays 23.96% more than Baton Rouge ($58,013 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,937/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,653)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,913)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Baton Rouge grew -20.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -20.8% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$63,040 (2021) → $50,406 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$78,433 (2024) → $62,153 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Baton Rouge or Lake Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov