New Orleans vs Shreveport: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between New Orleans, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,196▲ | $84,332 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.44▲ | $40.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,147 | $72,169▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,014▲ | $72,285 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,192 | $103,983▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,659 | $133,586▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,530▲ | 6,390 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shreveport.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Shreveport is $1,864 (2.21%). 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 Orleans spans $39,512,Shreveport spans $61,417. Shreveport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Shreveport ($99,488 effective) pays 6.88% more than New Orleans ($93,087 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,196/year)
- ✓Larger job market (11,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,586)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,488)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in New Orleans grew 19.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$68,380 (2019) → $81,850 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$64,410 (2019) → $80,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: New Orleans or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Shreveport as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in New Orleans vs Shreveport?
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