Louisiana, located in the Gulf Coast region of the U.S., is famous for jazz music, beautiful waterways, and rich culture influenced by French, Spanish, African, and Native American heritages. It ranks as the fourth most religious and 10th most sport-focused state, making it a great place for those who value faith, community, and an active lifestyle.
Interested in pursuing nursing jobs in Louisiana? IntelyCare can match you with opportunities that fit your needs — whether full time, part time, contract, temporary, or per diem — while giving you a glimpse into life and work in the Pelican State.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Louisiana
- Does Louisiana belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact? Yes. Learn more about the Louisiana Nurse Practice Act.
- How much do nurses make in Louisiana? The average annual salaries for nursing jobs in Louisiana depend on your educational qualifications:
- NP salary in Louisiana: $118,670
- RN salary in Louisiana: $80,760
- LPN salary in Louisiana: $51,700
- CNA salary in Louisiana: $30,420
- Where can I learn more about Louisiana’s requirements for nurse licenses? The Louisiana State Board of Nursing has all the details you need to work as a nurse here. If your license is close to expiring, check out our guide on license renewal in Louisiana.
- What are the most populous cities to find jobs in Louisiana? Here are five of the most populous cities to begin your job search:
- New Orleans
- Baton Rouge
- Shreveport
- Metairie
- Lafayette
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Louisiana
Home to more than 4.5 million people, Louisiana is a melting pot of cultures: 59% of the population identifies as White, 32% identifies as Black, 5% identifies as Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% identifies as Asian, 1.6% identifies as multiracial, 0.5% identifies as Native American, and 0.2% claims other. Strong cultural competence is key to working successfully in this state.
The median age here is 37.4, a year younger than the U.S. median. About 17.4% of the population is over 65, and 23.3% is under 18. If pediatrics or geriatrics is your specialty, you’ll have no trouble finding plenty of facilities to send your nursing resume to.
Whether you're looking for registered nurse jobs in Louisiana or you’re exploring other roles, there are great opportunities for nurses at every level. Here are some of the most sought out positions:
- Nurse practitioner jobs in Louisiana
- Nurse anesthetist jobs in Louisiana
- RN nursing jobs in Louisiana
- LPN nursing jobs in Louisiana
- Nursing assistant jobs in Louisiana
- CMA jobs in Louisiana
- HHA jobs in Louisiana
- Surgical tech jobs in Louisiana
- Caregiver jobs in Louisiana
- Student nurse jobs in Louisiana
Working in Louisiana
Healthcare and social assistance account for around 15% of the state’s jobs, making it the largest employment sector. This means you’ll have plenty of nursing opportunities to choose from, whether you’re drawn to small-town clinics or busy city hospitals.
If you're looking for opportunities in acute care settings, there are plenty of top-notch hospitals and medical centers available, including the following:
- Ochsner Health
- LCMC Health
- Terrebonne General Health System
- St. Tammany Health System
- Opelousas General Health System
- Rapides Regional Medical Center
- SouthStar Urgent Care
- Shriners Children's
If you’re interested in post-acute or long-term care, there are many facilities to apply to, including:
- Floral Long Term Care
- LHC Group’s Heart of Hospice
- Always Best Care
Looking for nursing roles outside of a hospital? In Louisiana, you can find opportunities in home care centers like All Ways Caring HomeCare, as well as in government-run facilities such as the Louisiana Department of Health. You can also explore travel nurse jobs in Louisiana. This is a great way to feel for the state and also save up some money for the move.
How’s the commute in Louisiana? The average one-way drive is about 25.2 minutes, which is quicker than the national average. Most residents drive alone (82.7%), 9.4% carpool, 2.8% work remotely, and 1.3% use public transportation.
Balancing work and family? Louisiana has a wide selection of childcare centers and pet care services to ensure your little ones — human or furry — are well cared for while you’re at work.
Living in Louisiana
Louisiana offers diverse outdoor activities that highlight its unique geography. For a beach escape, visit Grand Isle, the state’s only inhabited barrier island. Hiking enthusiasts will love Kisatchie National Forest, with its miles of trails through piney hills and hardwood forests. For a unique adventure, explore the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest river swamp in the U.S., ideal for airboat tours.
Looking for indoor fun? The Louisiana Art and Science Museum offers a mix of exhibits, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art. The Ogden Museum celebrates Southern culture with an impressive collection of paintings, photography, and sculptures. History buffs will love the National WWII Museum, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.
If you love culture and tradition, Louisiana has plenty to offer. The famous Mardi Gras, rooted in French Catholic heritage, celebrates the days before Lent with colorful parades and masquerade balls. Music lovers will enjoy Jazz Fest, which highlights Louisiana’s musical legacy, from jazz to zydeco. And St. Joseph’s Day Altars, with their beautiful arrangements of food, flowers, and religious symbols, offer a unique community celebration.
Louisiana’s climate is mild and subtropical, with an average annual temperature of 66 degrees. While tropical storms are common during hurricane season, the state typically experiences about two storms making landfall every three years. Temperatures range from 39 to 92 degrees throughout the year.
Louisiana offers a wallet-friendly lifestyle, with living costs 10.1% lower than the national average. Homes here go for an average of $184,800 — nearly half the national price. Renting a two-bedroom apartment will cost you about $1,000 a month, which is 30.1% less than the U.S. average.
Find Great Nursing Jobs in Louisiana on IntelyCare
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