Lafayette, LA Salary Guide: The Real Net on a $100k Paycheck

You see the offer letter: $100,000. It looks substantial. But before you celebrate, you need to calculate what lands in your bank account. In Lafayette, the math is surprisingly different than the rest of the country.

Here is the unvarnished breakdown of your purchasing power in Louisiana’s hub of Acadiana.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

The "Sticker Price" of your labor is $100,000. However, the "Real Price" (your take-home pay) is significantly lower due to mandatory deductions.

The Deduction Stack:

• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
• Louisiana State Tax: -$4,500
• Local Tax: -$0

The Verdict:

• Total Take Home Pay: $74,236
• Effective Tax Rate: 25.7%

You are losing roughly a quarter of your gross income to the government. While the $25,764 retention hole is standard for the bracket, Louisiana acts as a buffer. You keep $4,500 more than you would in a high-tax state like New York or California, but you still surrender nearly $7,500 less than the "sticker price" suggests.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net of $6,186, you have significant maneuverability in Lafayette. We apply the 50/30/20 rule to maximize wealth without sacrificing lifestyle.

Needs: $3,093/month (50%)

This bucket covers rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance.

• Rent Reality Check: The average 1-bedroom apartment in Lafayette rents for roughly $1,100 - $1,300.
• The Surplus: After rent, you have roughly $1,800 remaining for utilities, car insurance, and food. You are not "house poor." You have high purchasing power here.

Wants: $1,856/month (30%)

This is your discretionary spending—dining out on Jefferson Street, concerts, and travel.

• The Flexibility: This is a luxury budget. You can fund a high-end gym membership, maintain a social life, and still drive a financed vehicle without stress.

Savings: $1,237/month (20%)

This is your wealth creation engine.

• The Power of $1,237: If you invest this monthly amount into a standard S&P 500 index fund, historical averages suggest you could accumulate over $150,000 in a decade (excluding employer 401k matches). In Lafayette, this amount goes further because your fixed costs are lower.

Lafayette Taxes vs. The Competition

How does Lafayette's $100k net compare to other tech and cultural hubs?

City	Gross Salary	State Tax	Local Tax	Net Pay	Difference
Lafayette, LA	$100,000	$4,500	$0	$74,236	Baseline
Austin, TX	$100,000	$0	~$1,500	$76,850	+$2,614
New York, NY	$100,000	~$5,500	~$2,200	$66,690	-$7,546

The Analysis:
Austin, TX offers a slightly higher net due to having 0% State Income Tax. Louisiana charges a progressive tax that tops out at 4.25%, which erodes your income slightly compared to Texas.

However, Lafayette crushes New York. You take home nearly $8,000 more in Lafayette than in NYC for the exact same job title. If you are chasing savings rate, Lafayette is a mathematically superior choice to coastal cities.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Lafayette?
A: Lafayette follows the Louisiana state income tax structure. It is progressive, ranging from 1% to 4.25%. On a $100,000 salary, your effective state tax rate is roughly 4.5%.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Lafayette?
A: Yes. The median household income in Lafayette Parish is roughly $50,000. Earning $100,000 puts you in the top tier of earners locally, offering a lifestyle that includes renting a modern apartment, dining out frequently, and aggressive savings.

Q: Does Lafayette have a local city tax?
A: No. There is no local city income tax for Lafayette residents. You pay standard parish sales tax on purchases, but your paycheck is not hit by a municipal wage tax.

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• Methodology: Calculations based on 2026 IRS tax brackets (standard deduction applied), FICA rates (6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare), and Louisiana State Revenue Service tables.
• Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, IRS Tax Tables, Louisiana State Comptroller Revenue Estimates.