Registered Nurse Salaries in New Orleans, LA (2024 Data)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 data (released 2024), the mean annual wage for Registered Nurses in the New Orleans–Metairie, LA metropolitan area is $78,460 ($37.72/hour). This updates the earlier 2020 figure of $71,660.

Salary Percentiles (New Orleans Metro, May 2023)

Percentile	Annual Wage	Hourly Wage
10th	$54,320	$26.12
25th	$62,180	$29.90
50th (Median)	$73,890	$35.52
75th	$90,450	$43.49
90th	$103,210	$49.62

Key Factors Influencing Pay

• Experience: Entry-level ~$55–65k; 10+ years ~$90–105k+.
• Education: BSN-preferred roles often pay $2–5k more than ADN; MSN (NP, CNS, educator) significantly higher.
• Specialty: ICU, ER, OR, L&D, Cath Lab, and critical care transport command premiums.
• Shift differentials: Night +$2–5/hr; weekend +$1–3/hr; charge nurse +$1–2/hr.
• Employer type: Large health systems (Ochsner, LCMC, VA) vs. community hospitals vs. travel agencies.
• Certifications: CCRN, CEN, CNOR, RNC-NIC add $1–3/hr at many facilities.

Top-Paying Industries in Louisiana (BLS)

1. Federal government (VA, military) – ~$95k
2. Outpatient care centers – ~$85k
3. General medical/surgical hospitals – ~$78k
4. Home health care – ~$75k
5. Nursing care facilities – ~$70k

Cost-of-Living Context

New Orleans' cost of living is ~5% below the national average. Adjusted for COL, RN purchasing power is slightly above the national median.

Source: U.S. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023. Always verify with current job postings and facility HR for real-time offers.