How to Become a Registered Nurses in Louisiana
Registered Nurses in Louisiana earn a median salary of $78,880/year, which is 16% below the national average. Louisiana has a state income tax of ~3.5%. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $3,680/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a registered nurses can afford in Louisiana
Becoming a registered nurses in Louisiana
Meet education requirements
Registered Nurses positions in Louisiana typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Louisiana. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves none in Louisiana. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Louisiana licensure or certification
Louisiana may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the Louisiana Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Louisiana
Louisiana employs 46,790 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in Shreveport-Bossier City and New Orleans-Metairie.
Registered Nurses salary by metro area in Louisiana
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $83K | $40/hr | 5,650 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | $82K | $39.39/hr | 11,410 |
| Alexandria | $79K | $37.86/hr | 2,160 |
| Lake Charles | $78K | $37.62/hr | 2,610 |
| Baton Rouge | $78K | $37.6/hr | 7,930 |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington | $77K | $36.98/hr | 2,850 |
| Lafayette | $77K | $36.81/hr | 4,680 |
| Monroe | $75K | $36.27/hr | 2,290 |
| Hammond | $75K | $36.16/hr | 1,270 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux | $73K | $34.95/hr | 1,380 |
Registered Nurses salary range in Louisiana
Registered Nurses careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurses make in Louisiana?▼
The median registered nurses salary in Louisiana is $78,880 per year ($37.92/hr). This is 16% below the national median of $93,600. Salaries range from $62,830 to $111,810.
What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in Louisiana?▼
Registered Nurses positions in Louisiana typically require Bachelor's degree. Louisiana may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Louisiana licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a registered nurses afford to live in Louisiana?▼
At the median salary of $78,880, a registered nurses in Louisiana would take home approximately $5,092/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 27.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for registered nurses in Louisiana?▼
The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in Louisiana are Shreveport-Bossier City ($83,200), New Orleans-Metairie ($81,920), Alexandria ($78,740). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Louisiana have state income tax for registered nurses?▼
Yes, Louisiana has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.5%. On a $78,880 salary, this means roughly $2,771/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.