Inground pool cost in Lake Charles, LA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $33,500 – $105,000
- Per sq ft
- $74.50 – $232
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −7%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #203
- 1 = most expensive
Lake Charles homeowners pay roughly $33,500 to $105,000 to install an inground pool at 450 sq ft, or $74.50 to $232 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Lake Charles is 7% lower. Construction laborers earn a median of $21.75 an hour in the Lake Charles area, 4% below the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Lake Charles, LA, standard level
$54,900 to $83,400
About $122 to $185 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 52% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $26,400 | $40,200 |
| Labor | $28,400 | $43,000 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $210 |
| Total | $54,900 | $83,400 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Lake Charles, LA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,000 | $33,300 | $50,600 | 48% |
| Labor | $17,400 | $35,700 | $54,000 | 52% |
| Permits and fees | $85 | $170 | $260 | 0% |
| Total | $33,500 | $69,200 | $105,000 | 100% |
What is behind the Lake Charles number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 4 trades: construction laborers at 40%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 30%, brickmasons and blockmasons at 20%, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at 10%. Weighted together, Lake Charles wages are 0.92 times the national level. Labor makes up about 52% of the midpoint estimate (52% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Lake Charles metro is 93.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 450 sq ft comes to $33,300, compared with $35,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (85.9) and land at $85 to $260.
Data note: 20% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Lake Charles. The wage table below marks each row.
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 4 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Lake Charles is 0.92 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $21.75 an hour, 4% below the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.37 and $25.18 an hour. About 2,130 work in the metro. That is 209.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 30%) the local median is $23.69 an hour, which is 18% below the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $21.27 and $29.07 an hour. BLS counts 410 of them working in the area, 40.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 20% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Lake Charles metro, so we used the Louisiana statewide median: $27.62 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $23.05 and $29.23 an hour.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $32.69 an hour, which is 7% above the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $28.59 and $35.49 an hour. BLS counts 560 of them working in the area, 55.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($25.18 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $2,350. At the 25th percentile ($17.37) it shrinks by about $3,000. The total moves by 3.4% or 4.3%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 101,690 jobs in the Lake Charles area. That makes it the 202nd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.07% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $17.37 | $21.75 | $25.18 | $22.66 | 0.96 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $21.27 | $23.69 | $29.07 | $28.78 | 0.82 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $23.05 | $27.62 | $29.23 | $29.87 | 0.92 | state |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $28.59 | $32.69 | $35.49 | $30.67 | 1.07 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.92 | |||||
Is Lake Charles cheap or dear? The local comparison
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 450 sq ft range from $64,900 to $70,200 across Lake Charles and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Charles, LAthis page | $33,500 – $105,000 | $69,200 | |
| Beaumont, TX60 miles | $33,900 – $106,000 | $69,900 | +1% |
| Lafayette, LA65 miles | $32,200 – $101,000 | $66,500 | −4% |
| Alexandria, LA95 miles | $31,500 – $98,300 | $64,900 | −6% |
| Baton Rouge, LA125 miles | $33,500 – $104,500 | $69,100 | level |
| Houston, TX130 miles | $34,000 – $106,500 | $70,200 | +1% |
| Louisiana (statewide) | $32,500 – $101,500 | $67,100 | −3% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | +8% |
Across 300 US metros, Lake Charles comes in at #203 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $105,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $62,300 (midpoints, 450 sq ft). Statewide, Lake Charles is 3% above the Louisiana figure.
Other Louisiana metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | 445,550 jobs | $33,300 – $104,000 | $68,700 | −1% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 409,690 jobs | $33,500 – $104,500 | $69,100 | level |
| Lafayette, LA | 179,570 jobs | $32,200 – $101,000 | $66,500 | −4% |
| Shreveport, LA | 162,750 jobs | $32,400 – $101,000 | $66,800 | −3% |
| Slidell, LA | 98,240 jobs | $32,300 – $101,000 | $66,600 | −4% |
| Monroe, LA | 87,500 jobs | $31,400 – $98,100 | $64,700 | −6% |
Cities with a workforce like Lake Charles's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Lake Charles against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, IN | 102,200 jobs | $37,700 – $117,500 | $77,600 | +12% |
| Springfield, IL | 100,810 jobs | $43,300 – $135,000 | $89,100 | +29% |
| Clarksville, TN | 103,220 jobs | $33,700 – $105,500 | $69,600 | +1% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 98,500 jobs | $40,900 – $127,500 | $84,200 | +22% |
When to schedule inground pool in Lake Charles
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Lake Charles (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
September through May is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Lake Charles (9 of 12 months). June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Heat matters for concrete as well. With average highs of 90°F or more in June, July and August, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Lake Charles gets about 60 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, June and August (6.5 inches in June). Inside the workable window, February and March are the driest, at 3.3 and 3.7 inches. The station averages about 88 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63 | 43 | 5.9 | Workable |
| Feb | 67 | 47 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Mar | 73 | 53 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Apr | 79 | 59 | 4.4 | Workable |
| May | 85 | 67 | 5.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 91 | 74 | 6.5 | Hot |
| Jul | 92 | 76 | 5.7 | Hot |
| Aug | 93 | 75 | 6.2 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 71 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 82 | 60 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 72 | 51 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Dec | 65 | 45 | 4.6 | Workable |
Pick a size, pick a tier: inground pool pricing in Lake Charles
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Lake Charles wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 3 common sizes.
Basic
$33,500 to $62,000
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$54,900 to $83,400
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$76,300 to $105,000
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $29,800 – $55,200 | $48,800 – $74,200 | $67,800 – $93,200 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $38,100 – $70,600 | $62,500 – $94,900 | $86,800 – $119,000 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $59,600 – $110,000 | $97,500 – $148,000 | $135,500 – $186,000 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Lake Charles bid
Pool type
Vinyl pools are $25,000-$65,000, fiberglass $45,000-$100,000, and concrete or gunite $50,000-$120,000 (HomeGuide).
Maintenance
Pool maintenance is $80-$150 a month; concrete pools also need an acid wash every 3-5 years at $300-$1,000.
Permit
A building permit for a pool is $100-$300 and contractors often include it. Many cities add plumbing and electrical permits.
What nearby projects cost in Lake Charles
Because every project leans on different trades, Lake Charles's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, paver patio runs −7% and wood deck −12%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,450 – $10,400 | −9% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,800 – $5,050 | −7% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,600 | −10% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,600 – $13,300 | −12% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $550 – $1,950 | −8% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,500 – $12,500 | −8% |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $54,900 to $83,400 for Lake Charles, LA is attached.
Detailed inground pool report for Lake Charles, LA, $9
The report lays out the inground pool numbers for Lake Charles, LA line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Inground pool in Lake Charles: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Lake Charles?
For 450 sq ft, expect $33,500 to $105,000 in the Lake Charles area. A standard-spec job lands at $54,900 to $83,400. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Lake Charles?
About $74.50 to $232 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $85 to $260 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Lake Charles or Beaumont?
Beaumont is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $69,900, which is 1% more than Lake Charles ($69,200). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Lake Charles?
About 52% at the midpoint, or $35,700 out of $69,200. Materials are 48% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Lake Charles?
$38,100 to $119,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Lake Charles?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $85 to $260 for fees in the Lake Charles area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Lake Charles expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of Louisiana?
Lake Charles is 3% above the Louisiana statewide estimate ($67,100 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Louisiana; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Lake Charles?
The BLS median is $21.75 an hour in the Lake Charles area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $17.37 to $25.18.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Lake Charles?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $33,500 to $62,000 and premium work $76,300 to $105,000. Basic means: vinyl-liner pool, small size. Premium means: concrete or gunite, large with custom features.
+When is the best time to install an inground pool in Lake Charles?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. February and March are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Inground pool near Lake Charles
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = 48% of the installed price, from Cost to Renovate's mid-range 'Outdoor Living' category split. It is a category average, not a pool-specific one, so read the pool materials line loosely.