Registered Nurse Salaries in Louisiana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Registered Nurses in Louisiana earn an average of $78,880 per year ($37.92/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 46,790 registered nurses.
Registered Nurse salaries in Louisiana are below the national average by approximately $11,296. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Louisiana keep demand strong for registered nurses.
Louisiana Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Louisiana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Louisiana Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Louisiana median of $78,880.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Louisiana
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Louisiana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Louisiana has seen 13.9% wage growth for registered nurses — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Louisiana's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Louisiana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $87,550 | $42.09 | +11.0% | 16,376 |
| Baton Rouge | $83,600 | $40.19 | +6.0% | 13,101 |
| Shreveport | $81,250 | $39.06 | +3.0% | 8,422 |
| Lafayette | $75,700 | $36.39 | -4.0% | 4,211 |
| Lake Charles | $71,800 | $34.52 | -9.0% | 2,807 |
| Kenner | $68,650 | $33.00 | -13.0% | 1,871 |
Tip: New Orleans offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Louisiana at $87,550/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Louisiana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Louisiana sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Louisiana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Louisiana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Louisiana job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Louisiana keep demand strong for registered nurses.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Louisiana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Louisiana typically adds $64,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. New Orleans pays registered nurses $87,550/yr — +11.0% above the Louisiana average. Simply relocating within Louisiana can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Louisiana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Texas pays registered nurses $90,010/yr — 14.1% vs Louisiana.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Louisiana
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Louisiana:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Louisiana — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Louisiana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — New Orleans, LA→