Louisiana’s rich culture, historic charm, and vibrant cities make it an exciting destination for travel nurses seeking new opportunities. Known for its beautiful bayous, diverse landscapes, and festive atmosphere, Louisiana offers both professional growth and a lifestyle full of adventure. The state’s growing healthcare industry provides ample opportunities for skilled nurses to thrive in a variety of settings. Whether you’re drawn to the lively energy of New Orleans or the more laid-back feel of Baton Rouge, Louisiana offers a wide range of possibilities for both personal and professional growth.
Why choose Louisiana as your next travel nurse destination?
Immerse Yourself in Nature:
Louisiana offers outdoor lovers a unique blend of natural beauty, from the lush bayous and wetlands to the serene forests and stunning coastline. Whether you enjoy hiking, bird-watching, fishing, or boating, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to explore. The state’s many state parks, wildlife refuges, and the famous Louisiana swamps provide endless opportunities to connect with nature.
Experience Vibrant City Life:
Louisiana’s cities blend rich cultural heritage with modern flair. New Orleans, the state’s largest city, is world-renowned for its lively music scene, Mardi Gras celebrations, and delicious cuisine. Known for its French Quarter, jazz music, and mouthwatering Creole and Cajun dishes, New Orleans offers a unique and exciting cultural experience. Baton Rouge, the state’s capital, also boasts a vibrant arts scene, local festivals, and a thriving culinary community. Whether you’re in New Orleans, Lafayette, or Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s cities offer endless entertainment and cultural experiences.
Enjoy a High Quality of Life:
Louisiana offers an excellent quality of life with a lower cost of living compared to many other states. The state promotes a slower pace of life, allowing residents to enjoy both their work and personal lives in a balanced way. With its strong sense of community, friendly atmosphere, and vibrant culture, Louisiana is an ideal place to call home for travel nurses looking to make the most of their time away from home. The state’s healthcare system is growing, ensuring plenty of career opportunities while maintaining a great lifestyle.
How much does a travel nurse make in Louisiana?
Salaries for travel nurses in Louisiana are competitive, thanks to the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. While specific earnings may vary depending on factors such as experience, specialty, and location, the average travel nurse salary in Louisiana is around $85,000 annually. Pay structures can vary based on the region, with higher rates often offered in more urban areas such as New Orleans or Baton Rouge.
Understanding the Variations
While the average salary for travel nurses in Louisiana is around $85,000 annually, your earnings may vary based on:
- Experience: More experienced nurses tend to earn higher weekly rates. Nurses with specialized skills in critical care, ICU, or ER may earn more compared to those with less experience or in general nursing roles.
- Nursing Specialty: Certain specialties such as ICU, ER, and labor and delivery are in higher demand and tend to offer higher pay. Travel nurses with experience in these areas can expect to earn a premium rate for their expertise.
- Location: The city or region where you are placed can significantly impact your salary. Larger cities like New Orleans generally offer higher pay due to the higher cost of living and demand for healthcare workers, while rural areas or smaller towns may offer different compensation packages.
- Travel Nurse Agency: Different agencies offer different pay rates and benefits packages. It’s important to research and compare compensation packages to ensure you’re receiving the best offer for your assignment.
What are the top 10 highest-paying cities for travel nurse jobs in Louisiana?
Here’s a breakdown of estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for travel nurses in the top 10 highest-paying areas in Louisiana (Source: ZipRecruiter):
| City | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Monthly Pay | Estimated Weekly Pay | Estimated Hourly Wage |
| New Orleans | $106,000 | $8,833 | $2,037 | $50.93 |
| Baton Rouge | $104,000 | $8,667 | $2,012 | $50.30 |
| Lafayette | $102,000 | $8,500 | $1,962 | $49.50 |
| Shreveport | $99,000 | $8,250 | $1,902 | $47.87 |
| Alexandria | $97,000 | $8,083 | $1,871 | $47.06 |
| Lake Charles | $95,000 | $7,917 | $1,822 | $46.20 |
| Monroe | $93,000 | $7,750 | $1,798 | $45.40 |
| Houma | $92,000 | $7,667 | $1,786 | $45.18 |
| Ruston | $91,000 | $7,583 | $1,773 | $44.98 |
| Hammond | $90,000 | $7,500 | $1,731 | $44.57 |
What are the top 5 best paying travel nurse jobs in Louisiana?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for the top 5 best-paying travel nurse specialties in Louisiana (Source: Zippia):
| Specialty | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Monthly Pay | Estimated Weekly Pay | Estimated Hourly Wage |
| TELE RN | $100,000 | $8,333 | $1,923 | $48.40 |
| CVOR RN | $95,000 | $7,917 | $1,826 | $45.78 |
| Med-Surg RN | $86,000 | $7,167 | $1,654 | $41.68 |
| ICU RN | $94,000 | $7,833 | $1,808 | $40.52 |
| PICU RN | $92,000 | $7,667 | $1,401 | $40.25 |
*All pay information has been compiled from multiple sources to provide an estimated overview.