Alexandria vs New Orleans: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Alexandria, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $32,642 | $36,551▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $15.70 | $17.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,532 | $30,555▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $30,715 | $32,227▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $37,382 | $39,213▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $39,820 | $40,704▲ |
| Total Employed | 910 | 3,660▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alexandria.
The salary gap between Alexandria and New Orleans is $3,909 (11.98%). New Orleans's median is -18.79% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $10,288,New Orleans spans $10,149. Alexandria 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 ($39,473 effective) pays 3.62% more than Alexandria ($38,095 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($36,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($40,704)
- ✓Larger job market (3,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,473)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Alexandria grew 38.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.1% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$22,080 (2019) → $30,650 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$23,810 (2019) → $34,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Alexandria or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to New Orleans as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Alexandria vs New Orleans?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov