New Orleans vs Zachary: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between New Orleans, LA and Zachary, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Zachary, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,096▲ | $54,657 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.81▲ | $26.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,036▲ | $46,402 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,573▲ | $52,354 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,426▲ | $60,993 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,666▲ | $68,594 |
| Total Employed | 2,940▲ | 6 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Zachary.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Zachary is $9,439 (17.27%). 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,Zachary spans $22,192. 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, New Orleans ($69,220 effective) pays 14.36% 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 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
Choose Zachary if…
- ✓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 23.1% growth in Zachary over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$44,270 (2019) → $60,640 (2025)
Zachary, LA
$41,991 (2024) → $51,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Zachary, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: New Orleans or Zachary?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Zachary?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Zachary as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in New Orleans 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