Average RN Salary in Louisiana: See How Much LA Nurses Make
Updated June 16, 2023 · 5 Min Read
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If you live in Louisiana and are considering becoming a registered nurse (RN), or you are an RN thinking about moving to Louisiana, you might be wondering about salary potential in the state. The average registered nurse (RN) salary in Louisiana is $70,380 per year, with an average hourly rate of $33.84, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Louisiana ranks 36th in the country when this salary is adjusted for cost of living, making it a relatively affordable place to live and work.
With mild weather, a legendary sports and musical heritage, world-renowned food, and the draw of New Orleans, Mardi Gras, and a rich and diverse culture, there are many things that make Louisiana a fun and exciting place to call home.
This guide explores RN salaries in Louisiana, cost of living, and which cities pay the most.
- Average Louisiana RN Salary: $70,380 (Ranks 37th among all states)
- Hourly Louisiana RN Salary: $33.84
Source: BLS, Projections Central
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Average RN Salaries in Louisiana
RN salaries in Louisiana average $70,380 per year. Compared to neighboring Mississippi's average RN salary of $63,130 and Arkansas' average RN salary of $65,810, as reported by the BLS, Louisiana offers competitive wages.
With an RN salary range of $48,920 at the 10th percentile to $94,360 at the 90th percentile, Louisiana RNs earn a fair wage. The table below shows the range of RN salaries in Louisiana from the lowest 10% to the highest 10%.
For information about how to become an RN, visit our RN careers page.
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $48,920 | $23.52 |
| 25% | $60,550 | $29.11 |
| 50% (Median) | $64,450 | $30.99 |
| 75% | $77,630 | $37.32 |
| 90% | $94,360 | $45.36 |
Source: BLS
Louisiana RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
Cost of living is calculated with information through the cost-of-living index of the Council for Community and Economic Research (CCER). CCER uses local data from researchers who look at over 60 goods and services that consumers normally spend their money on.
An average salary is adjusted for cost of living by examining the price of certain goods and services in that area. Clothing, education, food, housing, medical, recreation, and transportation are some costs that are considered.
In Louisiana, the cost-of-living index is 92.7, which is 7.3% less than the national average. Adjusted for cost of living, the RN salary in Louisiana becomes $75,518 , ranking the state 36th for RN salaries.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $75,518 (Ranks 36th among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 92.7 (7.3% higher than the U.S. average)
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Louisiana
The table below lists the five highest-paying cities for RNs in Louisiana.
New Orleans' average RN salary is $73,770. Known as "The Big Easy", New Orleans is famous for the culture and food of Creole, Cajun, and French people. Jazz, Delta blues, and Zydeco are key parts of the music scene, and millions of people flock to the city for the annual Mardi Gras celebration. New Orleans is home to two Magnet hospitals: Children's Hospital New Orleans and Ochsner Medical Center.
Baton Rouge is also home to two Magnet hospitals: Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Woman's Hospital.
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans — Metairie, LA | $73,770 |
| Hammond, LA | $71,230 |
| Shreveport — Bossier City, LA | $70,630 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $70,300 |
| Houma — Thibodaux, LA | $70,140 |
Source: BLS
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in Louisiana
The salaries for other nursing roles in Louisiana show that nursing assistants earn an average of $25,840, while licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) earn $43,900. Nurse practitioners earn an average of $112,650, while nurse anesthetists make $166,810 per year.
For nurses in Louisiana, earning a higher degree can result in a higher level of pay.
- Nursing Assistants: $25,840
- LPN/LVNs: $43,900
- Nurse Practitioners: $112,650
- Nurse Anesthetists: $166,810
A number of nursing schools in Louisiana offer programs for nurses to advance their careers through a degree program. Louisiana has one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the country, and the state boasts a number of high-ranking academic healthcare facilities, including Louisiana State University and Southern University.
Methodology and Sources
Registered nursing salary data by state is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, released on March 31, 2022. Data reflects RN salaries as of May 2021. The highest-paying cities and states for RNs are ranked by average annual salary.
Cost-of-living data is collected from the U.S Bureau of Economic Analysis real personal income for states and metropolitan areas, released on December 14, 2021. RN salary adjusted for cost of living is calculated by multiplying each state's RN salary by its regional price parity (RPP). RPP measures differences in the cost of goods and services in a region compared to national prices.
Projected employment growth data by state is collected from Projections Central.
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