Lafayette vs Zachary: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lafayette, LA and Zachary, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Zachary, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,520 | $54,657▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.21 | $26.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,087 | $46,402▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,017 | $52,354▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,570▲ | $60,993 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,819 | $68,594▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Zachary, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Zachary is $137 (0.25%). Zachary's median is -19.71% 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,Zachary spans $22,192. Zachary 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 3.28% more than Zachary ($60,528 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 Zachary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,657/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,594)
- ✓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 Zachary over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$37,690 (2019) → $51,580 (2025)
Zachary, LA
$41,991 (2024) → $51,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Zachary, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lafayette or Zachary?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Zachary?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Zachary as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lafayette vs Zachary?
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