Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Natchitoches, LA: $26.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Natchitoches, LA runs $26.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,919 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Natchitoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,952 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Natchitoches, Louisiana, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to be $26.40 in 2026, which reflects a noticeable difference when compared to the national average of $32.73 per hour. This rate serves as a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time licensed practical nurses (LPNs) operating within various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and assisted living environments. Those working part-time—say, three days a week—may find the financial stability they seek, especially with the projected hourly range from $22.55 for entry-level positions up to $32.52 for more experienced LPNs. Such rates, derived from annual salary estimates, indicate the broad spectrum of pay based on skills, experience, and the type of employer.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.55 | $180.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.44 | $203.54 |
| Median (P50) | $26.40 | $211.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.59 | $236.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.52 | $260.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natchitoches
Based on $26.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.40/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natchitoches, LA can expect to earn approximately $54,920 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,685. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Natchitoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natchitoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,056.15 | $4,577 | $54,920 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.69 | $2,746 | $32,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.46 | $1,831 | $21,968 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Natchitoches) | $26.40 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $54,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $58,799.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.40/hr = $32,952/year (purchasing power: $36,492).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,920/year (purchasing power: $60,820).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Natchitoches grew 35.6% from $18.42/hr (2019) to $24.98/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.91/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Natchitoches metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Natchitoches
The earning potential for part-time licensed practical nurses in Natchitoches can be competitive, with an annual take-home pay significantly lower than that of full-time nurses. A typical part-time schedule of 24 hours per week may yield a yearly salary that reflects the LPN hourly rate without the added benefits of health insurance, which many full-time LPNs may prefer despite the lower hourly pay. In addition, per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Natchitoches can vary widely, with some LPNs earning between $28 and $42 per hour, especially when working through agencies or at understaffed facilities, while travel contracts may provide even more lucrative opportunities, although they are less common than RN contracts. The type of employment, whether it’s at a long-term care facility, hospital, or home health agency, typically influences hourly wages. For LPNs negotiating their pay, reflecting on whether to accept lower wages for benefits or prioritize higher hourly pay without them can be a substantial factor in career decisions.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Natchitoches in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Natchitoches?
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Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Natchitoches?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Natchitoches. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Natchitoches is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov