Lake Charles vs New Orleans: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lake Charles, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Charles, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,338 | $64,096▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.09 | $30.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,631 | $52,036▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,505 | $54,573▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,769 | $67,426▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,534 | $79,666▲ |
| Total Employed | 890 | 2,940▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Charles.
The salary gap between Lake Charles and New Orleans is $7,758 (13.77%). New Orleans's median is -5.84% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Charles spans $19,903,New Orleans spans $27,630. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($69,220 effective) pays 5.48% more than Lake Charles ($65,622 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,096/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,666)
- ✓Larger job market (2,940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,220)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lake Charles grew 38.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.0% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Lake Charles, LA
$38,540 (2019) → $53,300 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$44,270 (2019) → $60,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Charles, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lake Charles or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Charles and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Lake Charles to New Orleans as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lake Charles vs New Orleans?
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