Baton Rouge vs Shreveport: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,438▲ | $84,332 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.07▲ | $40.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,799 | $72,169▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,284 | $72,285▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,346 | $103,983▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,712 | $133,586▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,290▲ | 6,390 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shreveport.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Shreveport is $1,106 (1.31%). 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,Shreveport spans $61,417. Shreveport 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, Shreveport ($99,488 effective) pays 5.71% more than Baton Rouge ($94,115 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)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,586)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,488)
- ✓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 24.3% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$61,380 (2019) → $81,130 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$64,410 (2019) → $80,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Baton Rouge or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Shreveport as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Baton Rouge vs Shreveport?
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