Travel Nurse Pay in Lake Charles, Louisiana: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Lake Charles.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Lake Charles Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$686/wk
≈ $2,970.38/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,000/mo
Margin
+$1,970.38/mo
Stipend covers rent
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 4.25% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in LA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$203
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,917
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,916
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,832
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$99,663
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,917
per week
Taxes
$203
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Louisiana
$950
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,380
Your stipend covers rent with $3,380 left over each month.
Find apartments under $950/month in New Orleans:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Louisiana
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Louisiana's cost of living is lower than the national average by 7.9 points.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Travel Nurse Pay in Lake Charles
Average Hourly Rate
$43/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$1,720
GSA Lodging Rate
$98/night
GSA Meal Rate
$59/day
Cost of Living in Lake Charles
Cost of Living Index
95 (Below National Average)
Studio
$800/mo
1 Bedroom
$1000/mo
2 Bedroom
$1300/mo
Top Hospitals in Lake Charles
- 🏥 Lake Charles Regional Medical
- 🏥 Lake Charles General Hospital
- 🏥 Community Health Lake Charles
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
Travel nurses in Lake Charles typically earn between $38 and $53 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $43/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $47-62 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Lake Charles, Louisiana?
The GSA per diem rates for Lake Charles are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles?
The cost of living index in Lake Charles is 95, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $800 for a studio to $1300 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Lake Charles?
Top hospitals in Lake Charles that frequently hire travel nurses include Lake Charles Regional Medical, Lake Charles General Hospital, Community Health Lake Charles, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Lake Charles?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Lake Charles include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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