Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $51,684▲ | $44,883 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.85▲ | $21.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $20,077 | $26,390▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,773▲ | $33,617 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,238▲ | $64,899 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,712▲ | $88,275 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Charles.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles is $6,801 (15.15%). Baton Rouge's median is -3.61% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $108,635,Lake Charles spans $61,885. Baton Rouge 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, Baton Rouge ($56,933 effective) pays 8.90% more than Lake Charles ($52,280 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,684/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,712)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,933)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Baton Rouge grew 61.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$31,450 (2019) → $50,920 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$33,780 (2019) → $44,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents 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 real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov