Baton Rouge vs Ruston: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,438▲ | $82,174 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.07▲ | $39.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,799▲ | $61,820 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,284▲ | $69,189 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,346 | $92,551▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,712 | $109,565▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,290▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Ruston is $3,264 (3.97%). Baton Rouge's median is -16.83% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $39,913,Ruston spans $47,745. Ruston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($94,115 effective) pays 3.42% more than Ruston ($91,001 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 ($85,438/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,115)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,565)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Baton Rouge grew 32.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Ruston over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$61,380 (2019) → $81,130 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$63,389 (2024) → $78,031 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Baton Rouge or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Ruston?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Ruston as a registered nurse?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov