Hammond vs Lafayette: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hammond, LA and Lafayette, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hammond, LA | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,023▲ | $54,520 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.38▲ | $26.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,897▲ | $44,087 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,497▲ | $50,017 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,458▲ | $61,570 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,024▲ | $65,819 |
| Total Employed | 470 | 2,100▲ |
Verdict
Hammond, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Hammond and Lafayette is $4,503 (8.26%). Hammond's median is -13.29% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hammond spans $18,127,Lafayette spans $21,732. Lafayette 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, Hammond ($69,883 effective) pays 11.78% more than Lafayette ($62,516 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hammond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,023/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,024)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,883)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Hammond grew 43.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.9% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Hammond, LA
$38,810 (2019) → $55,840 (2025)
Lafayette, LA
$37,690 (2019) → $51,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hammond, LA
Lafayette, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hammond or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hammond and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Hammond to Lafayette as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hammond vs Lafayette?
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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