Registered Nurse Salary in New Orleans, LA (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$89,700
in New Orleans · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$98,362
adjusted for local cost of living
Registered Nurses in New Orleans
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in New Orleans, LA is $89,700 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,475/month or $43/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), New Orleans pays 8% less than the typical city.
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 91.2 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $89,700 in New Orleans is equivalent to $98,362 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the New Orleans metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in New Orleans
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $133,450 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $56,050 |
| Electrician | $61,160 |
| Accountant | $83,360 |
Full cost of living profile for New Orleans
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for New Orleans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in New Orleans?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in New Orleans, LA is $89,700 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does New Orleans Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
New Orleans Registered Nurse pay ($89,700) is 8% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in New Orleans?
Yes. New Orleans has a cost of living index of 91.2 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $89,700 salary in New Orleans has the purchasing power of approximately $98,362 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology