Alexandria vs Baton Rouge: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Alexandria, LA and Baton Rouge, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | Baton Rouge, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,326 | $133,523▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.21 | $64.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,891▲ | $100,864 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,036 | $117,985▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,009 | $142,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,647 | $166,710▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alexandria.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Baton Rouge is $6,197 (4.87%). Baton Rouge's median is -2.44% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $36,756,Baton Rouge spans $65,846. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($148,596 effective) pays 1.03% more than Baton Rouge ($147,084 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,596)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,523/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,710)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Alexandria grew 5.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Baton Rouge over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$116,620 (2019) → $123,080 (2025)
Baton Rouge, LA
$93,100 (2019) → $129,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Alexandria or Baton Rouge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Baton Rouge?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Baton Rouge as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Alexandria vs Baton Rouge?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov