New Orleans vs Shreveport: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between New Orleans, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,096▲ | $61,665 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.81▲ | $29.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,036▲ | $51,708 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,573 | $56,063▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,426▲ | $65,809 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,666▲ | $75,005 |
| Total Employed | 2,940▲ | 1,840 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shreveport.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Shreveport is $2,431 (3.94%). 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 New Orleans spans $27,630,Shreveport spans $23,297. New Orleans has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Shreveport ($72,747 effective) pays 5.10% more than New Orleans ($69,220 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,096/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,666)
- ✓Larger job market (2,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,747)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in New Orleans grew 37.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.3% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$44,270 (2019) → $60,640 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$41,570 (2019) → $58,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: New Orleans or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Shreveport as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in New Orleans vs Shreveport?
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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