New Orleans vs Ruston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between New Orleans, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $227,527▲ | $220,018 |
| Hourly Rate | $109.39▲ | $105.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $220,815▲ | $153,696 |
| 25th Percentile | $225,433▲ | $196,667 |
| 75th Percentile | $287,270▲ | $267,513 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $404,810▲ | $298,680 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 4 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Ruston is $7,509 (3.41%). 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 New Orleans spans $183,995,Ruston spans $144,984. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($245,717 effective) pays 0.85% more than Ruston ($243,652 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in New Orleans grew 40.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Ruston over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$154,280 (2019) → $216,280 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$178,010 (2024) → $209,143 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: New Orleans or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Ruston?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Ruston as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in New Orleans vs Ruston?
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