Trade Schools in Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles' economy is heavily driven by its robust petrochemical and industrial sector, with major employers like Phillips 66 and Sasol operating significant facilities. This creates high demand for skilled trades crucial to plant operations and maintenance. Programs in Industrial Production Technologies and Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies directly address these local industry needs.
Beyond heavy industry, the healthcare sector also provides a steady demand for trained professionals. Practical Nursing programs offer a direct route into local hospitals and clinics, serving the community's ongoing healthcare requirements. The city's trade schools are thus well-positioned to provide the specific technical skills required by its primary economic engines.
Lake Charles Trade Schools Map
4 trade schools in Lake Charles, LA.
All Trade Schools in Lake Charles
4 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.
| School | Programs | Avg Earnings | Avg Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOWELA Technical Community College | 9 | $45,826/yr | 69 |
| Stage One-The Hair School | 1 | $17,395/yr | 43 |
| McNeese State University | 1 | $37,650/yr | 45 |
| Avery James College | 1 | $11,718/yr | 41 |
Top Programs in Lake Charles
Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in Lake Charles.
| Program | School | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | SOWELA Technical Community College | $75,239/yr | 75 |
| Nursing | SOWELA Technical Community College | $72,690/yr | 85 |
| Electrical Installation | SOWELA Technical Community College | $52,083/yr | 73 |
| Electromechanical Technology | SOWELA Technical Community College | $51,912/yr | 64 |
| Practical Nursing | SOWELA Technical Community College | $43,365/yr | 79 |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | McNeese State University | $37,650/yr | 45 |
| Business | SOWELA Technical Community College | $31,941/yr | 67 |
| Accounting | SOWELA Technical Community College | $31,019/yr | 60 |
| Computer Science | SOWELA Technical Community College | $30,360/yr | 60 |
| Criminal Justice | SOWELA Technical Community College | $23,832/yr | 57 |
Programs by Category
Skilled Trades (1 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Installation | SOWELA Technical Community College | 73 | $52,083/yr |
Healthcare (2 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | SOWELA Technical Community College | 85 | $72,690/yr |
| Practical Nursing | SOWELA Technical Community College | 79 | $43,365/yr |
Engineering & Technology (3 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | SOWELA Technical Community College | 75 | $75,239/yr |
| Electromechanical Technology | SOWELA Technical Community College | 64 | $51,912/yr |
| Computer Science | SOWELA Technical Community College | 60 | $30,360/yr |
Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice | SOWELA Technical Community College | 57 | $23,832/yr |
Personal Services (2 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | Stage One-The Hair School | 43 | $17,395/yr |
| Cosmetology | Avery James College | 41 | $11,718/yr |
Business & Office (2 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | SOWELA Technical Community College | 67 | $31,941/yr |
| Accounting | SOWELA Technical Community College | 60 | $31,019/yr |
Other Programs (1 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | McNeese State University | 45 | $37,650/yr |
More Trade Schools in Louisiana
View all trade schools in Louisiana or browse all cities with trade schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Data
This page analyzes 12 trade and vocational programs at 4 schools in Lake Charles, LA using earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024–2034).
School locations shown on the map are based on official institutional addresses. Graduate earnings represent median first-year earnings for certificate and associate degree completers.