Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Louisiana | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $80,230 | $98,331 | -18% |
| Median hourly wage | $38.57 | $47.27 | -18% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $90,964.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $79,184 | $59,800 | $96,600 | 96 |
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Louisiana is $80,230, or about $38.57 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Registered Nurses is $98,331. Louisiana is -18% below the national median.
Entry-level registered nurses in Louisiana typically earn from $59,800 depending on the city and employer.
With 48,970 registered nurse jobs on record and a median salary of $80,230, Louisiana offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.