Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Natchitoches, LA: $54,919 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Natchitoches, LA earns a median $54,919/year (≈ $26.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Natchitoches's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $60,818 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Natchitoches, Louisiana, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect a median annual salary of $54,919 in 2026. This figure highlights a noticeable gap when compared to the national median of $68,071, reflecting the city's unique market conditions and cost of living. Local LPNs earn between $46,885 at the lowest percentile and up to $67,659 at the upper end of the pay scale. These projections are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for the region's economic factors. It's essential for prospective LPNs in Natchitoches to understand that the type of healthcare setting—be it skilled nursing facilities, home health, or clinics—significantly influences pay rates and job opportunities in the area.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,885 | $22.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,925 | $25.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,919 | $26.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,545 | $29.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,659 | $32.52 |
Median Salary Position
19.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Natchitoches
In Natchitoches, LA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,774 (2026 est.). At $54,919, the local median is 19.32% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Natchitoches: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Natchitoches Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Natchitoches median: $54,919/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Natchitoches Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $58,799 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -19.32% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Natchitoches has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Natchitoches, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $54,919 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,818 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,306
2025 BLS Actual
$51,957
2026 Current Est.
$54,919
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,387 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,782 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,067 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,189 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,191 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,957 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,919 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,049 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Natchitoches metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $38,306 (2019) to $51,957 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,049 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,743 (51.54%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,885 – $52,925 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,925 – $54,919 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,919 – $61,545 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,545 – $67,659 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Natchitoches
Examining the job market reveals that only six licensed practical nurses are currently employed in Natchitoches, indicative of a tight-knit community within the healthcare sector. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, LPNs in Natchitoches enjoy a more manageable financial landscape compared to national averages, which positively impacts their purchasing power. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most competitive salaries, while home health agencies and physician offices may lag behind in pay. Factors contributing to variability include the shift differential, additional pay for IV therapy certification, and weekend or holiday premiums in long-term care settings. To maximize their income, LPNs should consider specializing in areas that command higher wages and seek opportunities in skilled nursing environments where demand remains robust and compensation is more favorable.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Natchitoches, LA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Natchitoches?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $51,957 for licensed practical nursesin the Natchitoches metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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