New Iberia vs New Orleans: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between New Iberia, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Iberia, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,951 | $86,196▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.92 | $41.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,497 | $69,147▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,451 | $79,014▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,960 | $100,192▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,079▲ | $108,659 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 11,530▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Iberia.
The salary gap between New Iberia and New Orleans is $5,245 (6.48%). New Orleans's median is -16.09% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Iberia spans $49,582,New Orleans spans $39,512. New Iberia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Orleans ($93,087 effective) pays 3.84% more than New Iberia ($89,647 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Iberia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,079)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,196/year)
- ✓Larger job market (11,530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,087)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in New Iberia grew 23.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
New Iberia, LA
$62,445 (2024) → $76,869 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$68,380 (2019) → $81,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Iberia, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: New Iberia or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Iberia and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from New Iberia to New Orleans as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in New Iberia vs New Orleans?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov