Alexandria vs Baton Rouge: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Alexandria, LA and Baton Rouge, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | Baton Rouge, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $218,695 | $282,157▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.14 | $135.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $152,289 | $239,235▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $190,882 | $246,557▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $268,770 | $282,157▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $303,338▲ | $282,167 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Alexandria.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Baton Rouge is $63,462 (29.02%). Baton Rouge's median is +13.36% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $151,049,Baton Rouge spans $42,932. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($310,814 effective) pays 28.34% more than Alexandria ($242,187 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($303,338)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($282,157/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $310,814)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Alexandria grew 17.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 59.9% growth in Baton Rouge over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$176,940 (2024) → $207,885 (2025)
Baton Rouge, LA
$167,740 (2019) → $268,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Alexandria or Baton Rouge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Baton Rouge?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Baton Rouge as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Alexandria vs Baton Rouge?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov