Average Registered Nurse Salary in Louisiana
Registered Nurses in Louisiana earn an average of $85,594 per year across 1 metro area. This is +8.6% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$85,594
per year
Hourly Rate
$41.15
per hour
vs National
-8.6%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$57,383
to $119,518
About Registered Nurse Careers in Louisiana
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Louisiana, registered nurses earn an average of $85,594 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $57,383 for entry-level roles to $119,518 for the most experienced professionals — +8.6% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Louisiana.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$85,594
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$94,059
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Louisiana's cost of living (below average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $85,594 has the purchasing power of $94,059 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Louisiana
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | $85,594 | $41.15/hr | $57,383 | $119,518 | 2,577 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Louisiana vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Louisiana
There are approximately 2,577 Registered Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Louisiana.
Key Industries: Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, Shipping & Ports
State Income Tax: 1.85% - 4.25%
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Louisiana
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$57,383
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$85,594
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$119,518
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Louisiana
Pharmacist
$120,462
avg in LA
+$34,868 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$113,619
avg in LA
+$28,025 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$81,060
avg in LA
-$4,534 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$55,331
avg in LA
-$30,263 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$34,401
avg in LA
-$51,193 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Louisiana with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Louisiana Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Louisiana?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Louisiana is $85,594 per year ($41.15/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 8.6% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Louisiana?
New Orleans, LA is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Louisiana, with a median salary of $85,594 per year.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Louisiana?
Registered Nurse salaries in Louisiana range from $57,383 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $119,518 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $85,594 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Louisiana. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.