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Nursing jobs in Louisiana 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Shortage
6,400
High 10.2%
Median Annual Salary
$84,190
$40.48/hr
COL-Adjusted
$82,066
COL index: 92
Compact State?
Yes
NLC multistate eligible

Key insight

In Louisiana, there is a shortage of 6,400 registered nurses as of 2026 — 10.2% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $84,190 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $82,066 in national terms. This is a HIGH-priority EB-3 sponsorship state — international nurses are actively recruited here.

Top hiring cities

  • • New Orleans
  • • Baton Rouge
  • • Shreveport

State nursing board

Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Endorsement fee: $100 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal