Alexandria vs Baton Rouge: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Alexandria, LA and Baton Rouge, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | Baton Rouge, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,008 | $63,103▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.88 | $30.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,601 | $51,106▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,121 | $54,520▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,701 | $65,481▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,147 | $73,483▲ |
| Total Employed | 690 | 2,900▲ |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alexandria.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Baton Rouge is $5,095 (8.78%). Baton Rouge's median is -7.30% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $22,546,Baton Rouge spans $22,377. Alexandria 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, Baton Rouge ($69,512 effective) pays 2.68% more than Alexandria ($67,698 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,103/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,483)
- ✓Larger job market (2,900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,512)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Alexandria grew 39.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 49.6% growth in Baton Rouge over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$39,460 (2019) → $54,880 (2025)
Baton Rouge, LA
$39,900 (2019) → $59,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Alexandria or Baton Rouge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Baton Rouge?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Baton Rouge as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Alexandria vs Baton Rouge?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov