Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$28,300$13.61 per hour · $2,358 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Cooks, Restaurant Wage Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (LA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $10.29/hr | $1,783 | $21,400 | $18,977 |
| 25th Percentile | $12.12/hr | $2,100 | $25,200 | $21,992 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $13.61/hr | $2,358 | $28,300 | $24,452 |
| 75th Percentile | $16.83/hr | $2,917 | $35,000 | $29,639 |
| 90th Percentile | $18.51/hr | $3,208 | $38,500 | $32,346 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Lake Charles, LA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$28,300 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare restaurant cooks salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Louisiana:
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooks, Restaurant Pay in Lake Charles, LA
What is the median salary for restaurant cooks in Lake Charles, LA?
The official BLS median annual wage for restaurant cooks in Lake Charles, LA is $28,300, which equates to approximately $2,358 per month or $13.61 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for restaurant cooks in Lake Charles, LA?
The median hourly wage for restaurant cooks in Lake Charles, LA is $13.61 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $10.29/hour and one in ten earned more than $18.51/hour.
What is the pay range for restaurant cooks in Lake Charles, LA?
BLS wage estimates for restaurant cooks in Lake Charles, LA span from $21,400 at the 10th percentile to $25,200 at the 25th, $35,000 at the 75th, and $38,500 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do restaurant cooks take home after taxes in Lake Charles, LA?
On a median gross salary of $28,300, an estimated $24,452 lands in net take-home pay per year ($940 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Louisiana in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $3,848 (an effective rate of 13.6%).
How much do restaurant cooks make per month in Lake Charles, LA?
On the median annual salary of $28,300, gross monthly income is $2,358. After federal, FICA, and Louisiana state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,038 per month (or $940 every two weeks).
Is $28,300 a good salary in Lake Charles, LA?
At $28,300, the median salary for restaurant cooks is 42.4% of the Lake Charles, LA median household income ($66,700). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 85.9, making regional consumer goods and services 14.1% cheaper than the U.S. average.