Registered nurse salary in Louisiana
The median registered nurse in Louisiana earned $80,230 a year in 2025, $17,320 (18%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 44th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $80,230
- Average yearly pay
- $84,190
- Employed in Louisiana
- 48,970
How Louisiana compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Louisiana
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $80,230 | 48,970 |
| LPN or LVN | $57,470 | 17,600 |
| Nurse practitioner | $125,600 | 5,380 |
A nurse practitioner in Louisiana earns a median $45,370 more than a registered nurse ($125,600 against $80,230). A registered nurse earns a median $22,760 more than an LPN or LVN here ($80,230 against $57,470).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Louisiana?
The median is $80,230 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Louisiana earn more and half earn less.
Is Louisiana a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Louisiana ranks 44th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Louisiana pays 18% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Louisiana?
BLS counted 48,970 registered nurses employed in Louisiana in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Louisiana the average is $84,190, $3,960 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.