Registered Nurse Salary in Louisiana
Based on 49K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$80,230
$38.57/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
-14.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $105K
49K employed in Louisiana
Registered Nurse salary in Louisiana averages $80,230 annually, positioning the state below the national average at approximately 15% less. With nearly 49,000 registered nurses employed throughout Louisiana, the profession remains a significant part of the state's healthcare workforce. Salary ranges typically span from $63,800 to $104,740, reflecting variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence earning potential for registered nurses in Louisiana, including years of clinical experience, educational credentials, and specialty certifications. Geographic location within the state, employer type, and shift differentials also play meaningful roles in compensation differences. Healthcare facilities in urban areas tend to offer higher salaries compared to rural settings, while specialized units such as intensive care or emergency departments often command premium pay rates.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,800 |
| 25th percentile | $69,040 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,230 |
| 75th percentile | $93,600 |
| 90th percentile | $104,740 |
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse in Louisiana
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Louisiana — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana Children's Medical Center | 50 | $68,432 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Louisiana
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Louisiana.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level III | Experienced | $68,432 | 41 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Louisiana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,180 |
| 2023 | $76,650 |
| 2024 | $78,880 |
| 2025 | $80,230 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,603 |
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 | $73,180 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $76,650 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $78,880 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $80,230 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,603 | $95,708 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $69,040 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,230 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $93,600 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $104,740 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Registered Nurse ($80,230 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +526.6% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +411.7% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +404.2% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +330.1% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +279.9% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +218.2% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +176.9% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +162.2% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +146.1% | $94.94/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +112.8% | $82.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | +65.0% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | +60.6% | $61.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Louisiana?
- The median salary for registered nurses in Louisiana is $80,230 per year, or $39 per hour. This is approximately 14.7% below the national average for registered nurses.
What is the salary range for registered nurses in Louisiana?
- Registered nurses in Louisiana earn between $63,800 and $104,740 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This range represents entry-level to top-earning positions in the state.
How many registered nurses are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 48,970 registered nurses currently employed in Louisiana, making it a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is the registered nurse salary in Louisiana lower than the national average?
- Yes, Louisiana's median registered nurse salary of $80,230 is 14.7% below the national average. Job seekers in Louisiana can expect to earn less compared to the national median for the same position.