The average salary for registered nurses (RNs) in Louisiana is $80,760 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- 7.5% RN Job Growth
- $80,760 Yearly Salary
- 36,840 RNs Employed
Source: Projections Central, BLS
The shortest route to becoming an RN is earning an associate degree in nursing, or ADN, which requires two years to complete. Requirements to entering an ADN program in the Pelican State may vary, but typically include such criteria as a physical exam, CPR certification, and a registered nursing program entrance examination.
Graduating from an accredited ADN program is one of the basic requirements for national licensing exam for RNs. This exam, called the NCLEX-RN, must be successfully passed to get an RN license.
Related: Average Cost of Tuition for an ADN Program
The Best ADN Programs in Louisiana
A good school can provide a strong foundation for a career as an RN. Following schools in Louisiana are among the best ones that offer ADN programs.
Baton Rouge Community College
201 Community College Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 216-8000Bossier Parish Community College
6220 E Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 678-6000Charity School of Nursing - Delgado Community College
450 S Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 568-2670Delgado Community College
615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 (504) 671-5000Fletcher Technical Community College
1407 LA-311, Schriever, LA 70395 (985) 857-3655Louisiana Delta Community College
7500 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, LA 71203 (866) 500-5322Louisiana State University
8100 US-71, Alexandria, LA 71302 (318) 445-3672Louisiana State University
2048 Johnson Hwy, Eunice, LA 70535 (337) 457-7311Louisiana Tech University
1310 W Railroad Ave, Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 257-2000McNeese State University
4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70605 (337) 475-5000Northwestern State University of Louisiana
175 Sam Sibley Dr, Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 357-6011South Louisiana Community College
1101 Bertrand Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506 (337) 521-8896Southern University at Shreveport
3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107 (318) 670-6000
Job Outlook & Salary for RNs in Louisiana
RNs in Louisiana are in high demand, with a projected 7.5% job growth from 2022 to 2032, according to Projection Central. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 36,840 RNs in the state, earning an average annual salary of $80,760, or $38.83 per hour.
Use our RN salary calculator to estimate your potential earnings based on location, experience, and education.
Explore salary trends for RNs in Louisiana's metro areas below:
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $42.24 | $87,870 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | $41.57 | $86,470 |
| Lafayette | $37.56 | $78,120 |
| Baton Rouge | $37.23 | $77,440 |
| Hammond | $36.89 | $76,730 |
| Monroe | $36.40 | $75,710 |
| Alexandria | $36.34 | $75,580 |
| Houma-Thibodaux | $36.15 | $75,200 |
| Lake Charles | $35.12 | $73,050 |
Source: BLS
Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
For questions about nursing programs and licensure in Louisiana, please contact the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.
Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
- Address: 131 Airline Dr #301, Metairie, LA 70001
- Phone: (504) 838-5791
- Fax: (504) 838-5279
- Website: lsbpne.com
Conclusion
Louisiana offers a diverse range of ADN programs that prepare students for fulfilling nursing careers. This article spotlights several institutions providing exceptional nursing education. By exploring these programs, aspiring nurses can find the ideal pathway to achieve their healthcare goals.
