Project Manager in Lafayette, LA

The Salary Picture: Where Lafayette Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched Lafayette’s job market for years, I can tell you that project management here isn’t about chasing Silicon Valley salaries—it’s about solid purchasing power and a low-stress lifestyle. The median salary for a Project Manager in the Lafayette metro area is $97,330/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.79/hour. This places the region slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but the trade-off is a cost of living index of just 87.0 (US average = 100). When you factor in the affordable housing and lower everyday expenses, that median salary stretches further than it would in many other cities.

To understand where you might fit in the local market, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown. These figures are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Lafayette Metro)	Common Project Types
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Coordinating small internal projects, supporting senior PMs on construction or IT initiatives
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	Managing full project lifecycles in healthcare, energy, or municipal infrastructure
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Leading complex, multi-million dollar projects, often with cross-functional teams
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$135,000+ (often with bonuses/equity)	Program management, PMO leadership, consulting for major regional players

When compared to other Louisiana cities, Lafayette offers a compelling middle ground. New Orleans has higher median salaries (closer to $104,000), but its cost of living is significantly higher and commutes are more congested. Baton Rouge, the state capital, has a similar cost of living but a more bureaucratic job market dominated by state government. Shreveport and Lake Charles generally have lower salary averages. Lafayette’s sweet spot is its mix of private industry (especially energy and healthcare) and a growing tech scene, which supports competitive pay without the big-city price tag.

Insider Tip: The 6% 10-year job growth projection for the Lafayette metro’s project management roles is modest but steady. It’s driven less by explosive tech growth and more by sustained demand in healthcare, ongoing infrastructure projects, and the region’s role as a hub for the oil and gas industry’s digital transformation. Don’t expect a gold rush, but do expect consistent opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A Project Manager earning the median of $97,330/year in Lafayette takes home a significantly different amount after taxes and living expenses than their counterpart in a high-cost city.

For a single filer with no dependents (a common scenario for many mid-career professionals), federal and state income taxes, along with FICA, will take roughly 22-25% of gross pay. After taxes, the take-home pay is approximately $73,000 - $74,000 per year, or about $6,100 - $6,150 per month.

Now, factor in housing. The average 1BR rent in Lafayette is $921/month. This is a key advantage. Let’s look at a monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (at Median Salary)	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,150	After federal, state, and FICA taxes
Rent (1BR)	$921	Well below the national average
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water/Internet)	$250 - $350	Varies by season; summer AC bills can spike
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	Comparable to national averages
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Ins.)	$500 - $700	Highly dependent on vehicle; Lafayette requires a car
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300 - $500	Varies by employer
Discretionary/Debt/Savings	$3,229 - $3,779	This is your real breathing room

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $6,000 and a median home price in Lafayette around $240,000 (as of late 2023), a standard 20% down payment is $48,000. A 30-year mortgage at current rates on a $192,000 loan would be roughly $1,200 - $1,300/month (including taxes and insurance). This is only about $300 more than the average rent, and it builds equity. For a couple with dual incomes, home ownership becomes very accessible.

Where the Jobs Are: Lafayette's Major Employers

Lafayette’s economy is a unique blend of energy, healthcare, and education. Project Managers are crucial in all three sectors. Here are the key players and where you’ll find PM roles:

1. Lafayette General Health (now part of Ochsner Health): The largest healthcare system in the region. They constantly have projects for hospital expansions, EMR (Electronic Medical Records) implementations, and new clinic openings. Hiring is steady, and they value PMs with healthcare-specific certifications (like PMP or CAPM).
2. Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL) Regional Medical Center: Another major healthcare employer. Their recent growth and focus on specialty services (like a new cancer institute) create demand for PMs in construction, IT, and operational process improvement.
3. Wood Group (now part of Kent): A global energy services company with a significant presence in Lafayette. They hire PMs for offshore and onshore project management, focusing on engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for oil and gas clients. This is a prime spot for PMs with technical backgrounds.
4. Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG): The city-parish government is a massive employer. Projects range from road and drainage improvements (a perennial issue in South Louisiana) to public facility upgrades and IT modernization. These roles often come with excellent benefits and job stability.
5. University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette): As a major research university, UL has a constant stream of projects—new building construction, research grant management, IT infrastructure upgrades, and special events. A PM role here often blends academic administration with technical project oversight.
6. Stuller, Inc.: A world-leading jewelry manufacturer and distributor headquartered in downtown Lafayette. They are a surprising tech hub, with a large in-house IT department. They hire PMs for supply chain optimization, e-commerce platform development, and manufacturing process automation projects.
7. Investar Bank & Home Bank: Growing regional financial institutions. They need PMs for branch expansions, digital banking initiatives, and regulatory compliance projects. These roles are less cyclical than energy-sector jobs.

Hiring Trends: The energy sector (Wood Group, etc.) can be cyclical, tied to oil prices. However, the healthcare and university sectors are very stable. The tech side, driven by companies like Stuller and a growing startup scene around the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), is showing the most consistent growth. Look for PM jobs on the LEDA job board and local LinkedIn groups.

Getting Licensed in LA

Louisiana does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers. This is a significant advantage, as you don’t need to worry about state board exams or fees. However, professional certification is highly recommended and often expected, especially in corporate and healthcare settings.

• Primary Certification: The Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the gold standard. The exam cost is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. To qualify, you need a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s) plus 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of project management education, OR a four-year degree plus 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education.
• Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch, budget 3-6 months to prepare. This includes taking a prep course (online options are plentiful and cost $300-$1,000), studying, and scheduling the exam. Once you apply, you have one year to take the exam.
• Other Valuable Certs: The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a great entry-level option. For the energy sector, specific safety and operational certifications (like from the Project Management Institute’s Energy specific communities) can be a bonus.
• Insider Tip: Many larger employers in Lafayette, like Ochsner and Wood Group, will reimburse you for your PMP exam and training costs if you pass. It’s a standard professional development benefit. Always ask about this during your offer negotiations.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Lafayette is a sprawling city with distinct personalities. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical Rent (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown/South Congress	Walkable, historic, vibrant nightlife. 5-15 min commute to most office jobs.	$950 - $1,300	Younger PMs who want a social scene and proximity to Stuller, LCG, and restaurants.
Youngsville (South Lafayette)	Family-friendly, newer subdivisions, excellent schools. 15-25 min commute to downtown/I-10 corridor.	$1,000 - $1,300	PMs with families or those seeking a quiet, suburban feel with good value.
Carencro (North Lafayette)	Affordable, growing, convenient to I-49 for commutes to Wood Group or out-of-town. 15-20 min to downtown.	$850 - $1,100	Budget-conscious PMs, especially those working in the energy sector north of town.
River Ranch/ Oil Center	Upscale, mixed-use, walkable to parks and cafes. 10-15 min commute. Higher cost of living.	$1,200 - $1,600+	Senior PMs or couples with dual incomes looking for a premium lifestyle close to amenities.
Lafayette Parish (Rural Fringe)	Very low cost, spacious lots. 20-35 min commute. Requires reliable transportation.	$750 - $950	PMs who work from home most days or prioritize cost savings and space over urban convenience.

Insider Tip: Traffic is generally manageable, but the I-10/I-49 interchange is a choke point. If you work in the Oil Center or on the south side and live north of town, plan for a longer commute. Test your potential route during rush hour (7:30-8:30 AM, 4:30-5:30 PM) before committing to a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lafayette, career growth for Project Managers is less about vertical leaps and more about expanding your scope and industry knowledge.

• Specialty Premiums: You can expect a salary premium of 10-20% for specialized experience. The most valuable niches here are:
  • Healthcare IT: Managing EMR implementations or telehealth projects.
  • Energy Sector (Digital): Projects focused on data analytics, IoT for equipment monitoring, and safety compliance systems.
  • Construction & Infrastructure: Public works projects (stormwater, roads) require PMs who understand local regulations and environmental factors.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Program Manager/PMO Director. In smaller companies, you might wear many hats (e.g., PM + Business Analyst). In larger organizations (healthcare, energy), you can specialize. Many PMs in Lafayette eventually transition into consulting or start their own small firms, especially serving the local construction and small business sectors.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a reliable indicator. The demand will be driven by:
  1. Ochsner/Healthcare Expansion: Continued investment in facilities and tech.
  2. Tech-Enabled Energy: As the energy sector modernizes, PMs who bridge tech and traditional operations will be in high demand.
  3. Municipal Projects: Lafayette’s aging infrastructure guarantees a pipeline of public works projects.
     The key to long-term success is building a local network. Join the Acadiana Chapter of PMI and attend events. Your next job will often come from a connection, not a job board.

The Verdict: Is Lafayette Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent purchasing power with a median salary of $97,330 and a cost of living index of 87.0.	Limited vertical mobility in the corporate ladder; you may need to change companies to advance.
Diverse industry base (healthcare, energy, education, government) provides stability.	Dependence on the car; public transit is limited.
Vibrant culture and food scene (Cajun/Creole) with a strong sense of community.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the potential for hurricanes.
Manageable commutes and a less stressful pace of life compared to major metros.	Social and professional networks can feel insular; it takes effort to integrate.
Strong potential for home ownership and building long-term wealth.	Nightlife and cultural amenities are present but not on par with larger cities.

Final Recommendation: Lafayette is an excellent choice for Project Managers who prioritize quality of life, financial stability, and a strong community feel over the hustle of a major tech hub. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals, those with families, or anyone looking to stretch their salary without sacrificing culture. If your primary goal is to work on cutting-edge, global-scale tech projects, you might look elsewhere. But if you want a solid career, a comfortable home, and the best gumbo you’ve ever had, Lafayette delivers.

FAQs

1. Is the PMP certification required to get a Project Manager job in Lafayette?
No, it is not legally required. However, it is a de facto requirement for most mid-to-senior level roles at major employers like Ochsner, Wood Group, and LCG. For entry-level or coordinator roles, you can get by with experience and a CAPM. To be competitive, plan to get your PMP.

2. How is the job market for Project Managers right now?
The market is stable with 242 active jobs in the metro area. Hiring is steady in healthcare and government. The energy sector is more cyclical but has ongoing needs for digital transformation projects. It’s not a “hot” market, but it’s not stagnant either. Patience and networking are key.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for Project Managers new to Lafayette?
The biggest challenge is often integration into local networks. Lafayette’s business community is relationship-driven. It’s not enough to just apply online. Attend local PMI meetings, join the Young Professionals of Acadiana, and be visible at community events. This is how you discover unadvertised opportunities.

4. How does the hurricane season affect work and life?
It’s a reality of living in South Louisiana. Most businesses have robust disaster recovery plans. Project Managers, especially in IT and operations, play a key role in these plans. While major hurricanes can disrupt life for a week or two, the community is resilient and supportive. It’s a factor to consider, but not a dealbreaker for most.

5. I’m a remote PM. Is Lafayette a good place to live and work remotely?
Yes, it’s a fantastic choice. The low cost of living means you can bank a significant portion of a remote salary (even one that’s below the national median). The fiber internet infrastructure in Lafayette is surprisingly good for a city its size. You get the lifestyle benefits without being tied to the local job market. Just be sure to have a reliable backup power source (generator or battery) for outages.