Baton Rouge vs Natchitoches: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Natchitoches, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Natchitoches, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,103▲ | $54,919 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.34▲ | $26.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,106▲ | $46,885 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,520▲ | $52,925 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,481▲ | $61,545 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,483▲ | $67,659 |
| Total Employed | 2,900▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Natchitoches.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Natchitoches is $8,184 (14.90%). Baton Rouge's median is -7.30% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $22,377,Natchitoches spans $20,774. Baton Rouge 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, Baton Rouge ($69,512 effective) pays 14.29% more than Natchitoches ($60,818 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,103/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,483)
- ✓Larger job market (2,900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,512)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Natchitoches if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Baton Rouge grew 49.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Natchitoches over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$39,900 (2019) → $59,700 (2025)
Natchitoches, LA
$42,191 (2024) → $51,957 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Natchitoches, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Baton Rouge or Natchitoches?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Natchitoches?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Natchitoches as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Baton Rouge vs Natchitoches?
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