Ruston vs Slidell: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Ruston, LA and Slidell, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ruston, LA | Slidell, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $220,018 | $228,799▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.78 | $110.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $153,696 | $164,112▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $196,667▲ | $185,846 |
| 75th Percentile | $267,513▲ | $233,681 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $298,680 | $588,846▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Slidell, LA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between Ruston and Slidell is $8,781 (3.99%). Slidell's median is -8.07% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ruston spans $144,984,Slidell spans $424,734. Slidell 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, Slidell ($246,747 effective) pays 1.27% 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 Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Slidell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($228,799/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($588,846)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $246,747)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Ruston grew 17.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Slidell over the same period.
Ruston, LA
$178,010 (2024) → $209,143 (2025)
Slidell, LA
$217,680 (2024) → $217,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ruston, LA
Slidell, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Ruston or Slidell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ruston and Slidell?
Should I relocate from Ruston to Slidell as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Ruston vs Slidell?
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