Lafayette vs Slidell: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lafayette, LA and Slidell, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Slidell, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,520 | $62,892▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.21 | $30.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,087 | $50,250▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,017 | $53,167▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,570 | $64,509▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,819 | $74,318▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,100▲ | 960 |
Verdict
Slidell, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Slidell is $8,372 (15.36%). Slidell's median is -7.61% 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,Slidell spans $24,068. Slidell 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, Slidell ($67,826 effective) pays 8.49% 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 Lafayette if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Slidell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,892/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,318)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,826)
- ✓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 4.3% growth in Slidell over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$37,690 (2019) → $51,580 (2025)
Slidell, LA
$57,040 (2024) → $59,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Slidell, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lafayette or Slidell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Slidell?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Slidell as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lafayette vs Slidell?
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