Metairie vs New Orleans: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Metairie, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Metairie, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,330▲ | $64,096 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.93▲ | $30.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,722 | $52,036▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,242▲ | $54,573 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,889▲ | $67,426 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,080▲ | $79,666 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 2,940▲ |
Verdict
Metairie, LA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Orleans.
The salary gap between Metairie and New Orleans is $234 (0.37%). Metairie's median is -5.50% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Metairie spans $40,358,New Orleans spans $27,630. Metairie 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, Metairie ($71,240 effective) pays 2.92% more than New Orleans ($69,220 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Metairie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,330/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,080)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,240)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Metairie grew 33.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.0% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Metairie, LA
$45,767 (2024) → $60,861 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$44,270 (2019) → $60,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Metairie, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Metairie or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Metairie and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Metairie to New Orleans as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Metairie vs New Orleans?
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