Metairie vs New Orleans: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Metairie, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Metairie, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $228,354▲ | $227,527 |
| Hourly Rate | $109.79▲ | $109.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $139,844 | $220,815▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $204,265 | $225,433▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $284,042 | $287,270▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $341,559 | $404,810▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Metairie and New Orleans are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Metairie and New Orleans is $827 (0.36%). Metairie's median is -8.25% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Metairie spans $201,715,New Orleans spans $183,995. Metairie 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, Metairie ($252,884 effective) pays 2.92% more than New Orleans ($245,717 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Metairie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($228,354/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $252,884)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($404,810)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Metairie grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Metairie, LA
$187,647 (2024) → $217,067 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$154,280 (2019) → $216,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Metairie, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Metairie or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Metairie and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Metairie to New Orleans as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Metairie vs New Orleans?
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