Healthcare New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Registered Nurse Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median registered nurse salary in New Orleans, LA is $79,596 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$79,596
vs State Avg
+$5,686
vs National
$-1,624
Cost of Living
98%

Registered Nurse Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median registered nurse salary of $79,596, which is $5,686 above the Louisiana state average of $73,910. Compared to the national median of $81,220, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in New Orleans spans from $56,252 at the 10th percentile to $118,384 at the 90th percentile — a $62,132 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,840, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,700. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $56,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,700
$-2,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $56,252
25th Percentile $65,464
Median (50th) $79,596
75th Percentile $99,078
90th Percentile $118,384

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$74,722
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$71,474
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$69,849
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$69,037
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Registered Nurse in New Orleans

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. New Orleans 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 New Orleans may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open registered nurse positions in New Orleans, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Registered Nurse make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $79,596 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $56,252 (10th percentile) to $118,384 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,596, a registered nurse in New Orleans earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
New Orleans's median registered nurse salary of $79,596 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $73,910. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $79,596 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in New Orleans? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in New Orleans 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.