What the numbers say
About 11,400 Registered Nurses work in the New Orleans metro, making it one of the larger concentrations of nursing employment in the Gulf South. The 2024 median annual wage came in at $81,920, which runs about 4% above the Louisiana state median of $78,880.
The national picture tells a different story. The US median for Registered Nurses was $94,511 in 2024, roughly $12,600 above what the typical New Orleans nurse earned. That gap is meaningful, and it holds even after accounting for the fact that Louisiana wages across most occupations track below national benchmarks.
The spread within the metro is worth noting. At the 10th percentile, nurses earned $65,870. At the 90th, they earned $125,020. Top earners made nearly twice what those at the entry end brought home. That range reflects real differences in specialty, setting, and experience. A newer nurse working a general medical floor earns substantially less than a seasoned ICU or CRNA-track professional at one of the metro's academic medical centers.
The mean annual wage of $89,700 sits about $7,800 above the median. A smaller group of higher earners pull that average up, so the median is the more reliable anchor for most nurses assessing where they fall.
Salary distribution
Where New Orleans registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $75,030 and $95,140, with a median of $81,850.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Registered Nurses
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in New Orleans, Louisiana?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the New Orleans metropolitan area is $81,850.
- Does New Orleans pay more than the Louisiana state average for Registered Nurses?
- The New Orleans metro median is +2.0% versus the Louisiana state median of $80,230.
- How does New Orleans compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The New Orleans metro median is -16.8% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in New Orleans?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $65,660 and the 90th-percentile at $103,180 for the New Orleans metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the New Orleans CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.