Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Registered Nurse Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median registered nurse salary in Lafayette, LA is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$71,474
vs State Avg
$-2,436
vs National
$-9,746
Cost of Living
88%

Registered Nurse Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median registered nurse salary of $71,474, which is $2,436 below the Louisiana state average of $73,910. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $71,474 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Lafayette spans from $50,512 at the 10th percentile to $106,304 at the 90th percentile — a $55,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,040, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $50,512
25th Percentile $58,784
Median (50th) $71,474
75th Percentile $88,968
90th Percentile $106,304

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$79,596
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$74,722
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$69,849
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$69,037
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Lafayette

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open registered nurse positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $50,512 (10th percentile) to $106,304 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,474, a registered nurse in Lafayette earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Lafayette's median registered nurse salary of $71,474 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $73,910. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $71,474 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Lafayette? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Lafayette require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.