Lafayette vs New Iberia: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lafayette, LA and New Iberia, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | New Iberia, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,520 | $55,672▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.21 | $26.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,087 | $44,685▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,017 | $51,627▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,570 | $65,514▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,819 | $68,884▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,100▲ | 7 |
Verdict
New Iberia, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and New Iberia is $1,152 (2.11%). New Iberia's median is -18.21% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $21,732,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, Lafayette ($62,516 effective) pays 1.40% 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 Lafayette if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,516)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Iberia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,672/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,884)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lafayette grew 36.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in New Iberia over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$37,690 (2019) → $51,580 (2025)
New Iberia, LA
$42,771 (2024) → $52,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
New Iberia, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lafayette or New Iberia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and New Iberia?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to New Iberia as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lafayette 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