Baton Rouge vs New Iberia: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and New Iberia, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | New Iberia, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,103▲ | $55,672 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.34▲ | $26.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,106▲ | $44,685 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,520▲ | $51,627 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,481 | $65,514▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,483▲ | $68,884 |
| Total Employed | 2,900▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Iberia.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and New Iberia is $7,431 (13.35%). 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 Baton Rouge spans $22,377,New Iberia spans $24,199. New Iberia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($69,512 effective) pays 12.75% more than New Iberia ($61,652 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose New Iberia if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Baton Rouge grew 49.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in New Iberia over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$39,900 (2019) → $59,700 (2025)
New Iberia, LA
$42,771 (2024) → $52,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
New Iberia, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Baton Rouge or New Iberia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and New Iberia?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to New Iberia as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Baton Rouge vs New Iberia?
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