Alexandria vs New Orleans: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Alexandria, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,326 | $129,106▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.21 | $62.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,891 | $109,212▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,036 | $118,895▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,009▲ | $136,947 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,647 | $163,130▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 1,270▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alexandria.
The salary gap between Alexandria and New Orleans is $1,780 (1.40%). New Orleans's median is -5.67% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $36,756,New Orleans spans $53,918. New Orleans has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($148,596 effective) pays 6.58% more than New Orleans ($139,428 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,596)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,106/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,130)
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Alexandria grew 5.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$116,620 (2019) → $123,080 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$100,290 (2019) → $124,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Alexandria or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to New Orleans as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Alexandria vs New Orleans?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov