Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Natchitoches vs New Orleans: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Natchitoches, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Natchitoches, LA
$213,806
$102.79/hr
New Orleans, LA
$227,527
$109.39/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNatchitoches, LANew Orleans, LA
Median Salary$213,806$227,527
Hourly Rate$102.79$109.39
Entry Level (P10)$156,112$220,815
25th Percentile$196,704$225,433
75th Percentile$252,777$287,270
Top Earner (P90)$291,404$404,810
Total Employed6190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Natchitoches ($213,806) and New Orleans ($227,527) nurse anesthetist salaries.NatchitochesNew OrleansMedian Salary$213,806$227,527Entry Level (P10)$156,112$220,815Top Earner (P90)$291,404$404,810US Median $248,893

Verdict

New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Natchitoches.

The salary gap between Natchitoches and New Orleans is $13,721 (6.42%). New Orleans's median is -8.58% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Natchitoches spans $135,292,New Orleans spans $183,995. New Orleans has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Natchitoches
P10 (Entry)$156,112
P25$196,704
Median$213,806
P75$252,777
P90 (Top)$291,404
New Orleans
P10 (Entry)$220,815
P25$225,433
Median$227,527
P75$287,270
P90 (Top)$404,810

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, New Orleans ($245,717 effective) pays 3.78% more than Natchitoches ($236,773 effective).

Natchitoches
Nominal: $213,806
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $236,773
New Orleans
Nominal: $227,527
CoL Index: 92.597
Adjusted: $245,717

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Natchitoches if…

  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose New Orleans if…

  • Higher median salary ($227,527/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($404,810)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $245,717)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Natchitoches grew 17.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in New Orleans over the same period.

Natchitoches, LA

+17.5%

$172,985 (2024) → $203,238 (2025)

New Orleans, LA

+40.2%

$154,280 (2019) → $216,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Natchitoches or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $227,527/year, compared to Natchitoches at $213,806/year — a difference of $13,721 (6.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Natchitoches and New Orleans?

Natchitoches nurse anesthetists earn $102.79/hr while New Orleans hygienists earn $109.39/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Natchitoches to New Orleans as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Natchitoches and New Orleans. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Natchitoches = $236,773, New Orleans = $245,717), job availability (6 vs 190 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Natchitoches vs New Orleans?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $156,112 in Natchitoches and $220,815 in New Orleans. The New Orleans area offers higher starting salaries.
AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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