Baton Rouge vs Natchitoches: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Natchitoches, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Natchitoches, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $282,157▲ | $213,806 |
| Hourly Rate | $135.66▲ | $102.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $239,235▲ | $156,112 |
| 25th Percentile | $246,557▲ | $196,704 |
| 75th Percentile | $282,157▲ | $252,777 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $282,167 | $291,404▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Natchitoches.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Natchitoches is $68,351 (31.97%). 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 Baton Rouge spans $42,932,Natchitoches spans $135,292. Natchitoches has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($310,814 effective) pays 31.27% more than Natchitoches ($236,773 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 ($282,157/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $310,814)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Natchitoches if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($291,404)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Baton Rouge grew 59.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Natchitoches over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$167,740 (2019) → $268,210 (2025)
Natchitoches, LA
$172,985 (2024) → $203,238 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Natchitoches, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Baton Rouge or Natchitoches?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Natchitoches?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Natchitoches as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Baton Rouge vs Natchitoches?
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