TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Software Engineer Salary
in Lafayette, LA

Design, develop, and maintain software systems. One of the highest-demand roles in the US labor market. Median salary in Lafayette: $111K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$111K
per year
Take-home: $71K

Salary range in Lafayette

Entry level (25th)$81,000
Median (50th)$111,000
Senior (75th)$140,000
Top earner (90th)$179,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Lafayette, Louisiana. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Lafayette

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

15% discount vs national median

Software Engineers in Lafayette earn approximately 15% lower than the US national median for this role — a $19,000 discount on annual base salary. Lafayette's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 85 (US avg = 100).

72% remote-eligible

This role is 72% remote-eligible nationally according to job-posting analysis, which significantly expands the job market for Lafayette-based Software Engineers. Many Lafayette professionals in this role are paid on the locality scale of their employer's HQ rather than Lafayette's local rate — verify which scale your offer references before negotiating.

Key facts for Lafayette

Median salary
$111K
annual
Take-home pay
$71K
after fed/state tax
COL index
85
100 = US avg
State income tax
6%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,050
per month
YoY growth
+4.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Lafayette Software Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $134K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Lafayette

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Software Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$93K$105K$117K$128K$140K201920212023202520272029
2026
$116K
projected
2027
$122K
projected
2028
$128K
projected
2029
$134K
projected
2030
$140K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$116,000+$5,000
2028 projected$122,000+$11,000
2029 projected$128,000+$17,000
2030 projected$134,000+$23,000

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Software Engineer Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Software Engineer salary in Lafayette, LA is $111,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Lafayette–LA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Software Engineer in Lafayette

Entry-level Software Engineers in Lafayette with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $81,000 and $111,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $111,000 to $140,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $140,000 to $179,000 or more.

Cost of living in Lafayette for Software Engineers

Lafayette has a cost of living index of 85 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 15% further in Lafayette than the national average. Louisiana has a 6% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Software Engineer

Bachelor's in CS or related. This role is 72% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Lafayette-based professionals.

Software Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Lafayette (current)$111K85
New Orleans$117K92
Baton Rouge$114K88
Shreveport$101K78