Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Louisiana
Based on 18K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$57,470
$27.63/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
-13.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $66K
18K employed in Louisiana
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Louisiana averages $57,470 annually, with approximately 17,600 practitioners in the state. This figure falls 14% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries typically range from $45,810 to $66,150 depending on individual circumstances and workplace settings.
Several factors influence Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Louisiana, including experience level, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Healthcare facility size and specialty area significantly impact compensation, with urban centers often offering higher wages than rural regions. Additional certifications, shift differentials for evening or night work, and individual facility funding also contribute to salary variations across the state.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,810 |
| 25th percentile | $49,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,470 |
| 75th percentile | $61,220 |
| 90th percentile | $66,150 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,590 |
| 2023 | $50,000 |
| 2024 | $53,930 |
| 2025 | $57,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,918 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,590 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $50,000 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $53,930 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $57,470 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,918 | $70,744 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,650 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $61,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $66,150 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($57,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +774.8% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +614.3% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +603.9% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +500.4% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +430.4% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +344.3% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +286.5% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +266.1% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +243.6% | $94.94/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +197.1% | $82.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | +130.4% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | +124.2% | $61.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Louisiana?
- Licensed practical nurses in Louisiana earn a median salary of $57,470 per year, or about $28 per hour. This is approximately 13.9% below the national average for the position.
What is the salary range for LPNs in Louisiana?
- The salary range for licensed practical nurses in Louisiana spans from $45,810 on the lower end to $66,150 on the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, location, and employer within the state.
How many licensed practical nurses work in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 17,600 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Louisiana, making it a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is the LPN salary in Louisiana lower than the national average?
- Yes, Louisiana's median LPN salary of $57,470 annually is 13.9% lower than the national average for the occupation, so job seekers should consider this when evaluating opportunities in the state.