Louisiana Salaries 2025
Energy corridor with unmatched cultural richness
Median Household Income
Louisiana Salary Overview 2025
Louisiana presents a unique economic landscape where world-class energy and petrochemical industries coexist with one of America's most distinctive cultural heritages. The state's median household income of $52,800 ranks among the lowest nationally, yet this figure obscures significant wage variations—petrochemical engineers along the Mississippi River corridor earn six-figure salaries, while service workers in tourism-dependent New Orleans often struggle.
The "Chemical Corridor" between Baton Rouge and New Orleans hosts the nation's highest concentration of refineries and petrochemical plants, creating exceptional opportunities for engineers, operators, and skilled trades. Offshore oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico continue to provide premium wages for those willing to work demanding schedules, though the industry's cyclical nature means employment fluctuates with energy prices.
Louisiana's low cost of living (91 index) means workers enjoy strong purchasing power despite lower nominal salaries. The state's relatively low income tax (1.85-4.25%) and abundant affordable housing create a favorable equation for workers in stable industries. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025 and average US salary.
Louisiana Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Louisiana | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $52,800 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $72,500 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $30,600 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $7.25/hr (federal) | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 (9% below avg) | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 4.25% | Varies by state |
Salaries by Louisiana Metro Area
New Orleans – Culture Capital
Median Household Income: $45,000
New Orleans' economy revolves around tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and the port—one of America's busiest. The city's median income belies its dual economy: tourism and service workers earn modest wages ($28,000-$45,000), while professionals in healthcare, legal, and port operations earn competitive salaries. Healthcare at Ochsner and LCMC Health systems pays RNs $58,000-$80,000, physicians $230,000-$400,000. The Port of New Orleans supports logistics, maritime, and trade jobs paying $45,000-$100,000+.
New Orleans attracts workers willing to accept salary trade-offs for unmatched cultural experience—music, food, festivals, and a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in America.
Baton Rouge – State Capital & Petrochemical Hub
Median Household Income: $52,000
Baton Rouge combines state government with major petrochemical operations. ExxonMobil's massive refinery complex, along with plants from Dow, BASF, and others, creates the core of Louisiana's Chemical Corridor. Process engineers earn $85,000-$140,000, plant operators $55,000-$95,000, and maintenance technicians $50,000-$80,000. Louisiana State University adds education and research employment, with faculty earning $60,000-$150,000+.
Lake Charles – LNG & Petrochemical Boom
Median Household Income: $48,000
Lake Charles has experienced a construction and operations boom driven by massive LNG (liquefied natural gas) export terminals and petrochemical expansions. Cameron LNG, Venture Global, and others have created thousands of high-paying construction and operations jobs. Skilled trades during construction peaks earn $80,000-$120,000+; permanent operations roles pay $65,000-$110,000. The boom has strained housing and driven up local costs.
Shreveport-Bossier – Northwest Hub
Median Household Income: $46,000
Shreveport serves as northwest Louisiana's economic center, with healthcare (Willis-Knighton, Christus), gaming, and Barksdale Air Force Base driving employment. The Haynesville Shale natural gas play provides energy sector opportunities. Healthcare salaries are regionally competitive; military and defense contractor positions follow federal pay scales. The metro offers Louisiana's most affordable major-city housing.
Lafayette – Cajun Country & Oil Services
Median Household Income: $55,000
Lafayette serves as the onshore hub for Gulf of Mexico oil and gas operations. Numerous service companies (Halliburton, Schlumberger, offshore contractors) maintain operations here. When oil prices are strong, engineers earn $90,000-$150,000, field specialists $70,000-$120,000, and offshore workers $80,000-$140,000 on rotation schedules. The industry's volatility means employment swings with commodity prices. The city's Cajun culture and food scene attract workers despite industry uncertainty.
| Metro Area | Median Income | Cost of Living | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $45,000 | 95 | Tourism, Healthcare, Port |
| Baton Rouge | $52,000 | 90 | Petrochemical, Government, Education |
| Lake Charles | $48,000 | 88 | LNG, Petrochemical, Construction |
| Shreveport-Bossier | $46,000 | 85 | Healthcare, Gaming, Military |
| Lafayette | $55,000 | 89 | Oil Services, Healthcare |
Top Paying Industries in Louisiana
Oil, Gas & Petrochemical
Louisiana's energy sector offers the state's highest wages. The Chemical Corridor's refineries and plants pay process engineers $90,000-$150,000, operations managers $120,000-$180,000, and skilled operators $60,000-$100,000. Offshore oil and gas workers earn premiums for rotation schedules: drilling engineers $120,000-$200,000, rig workers $70,000-$120,000, subsea specialists $100,000-$180,000. LNG facility operators represent growing demand at $75,000-$130,000.
Healthcare
Major systems including Ochsner Health, LCMC Health, and Our Lady of the Lake employ thousands across Louisiana. Physicians earn $220,000-$420,000, nurses $55,000-$80,000, and specialized practitioners command premiums. Rural areas offer loan forgiveness and signing bonuses to attract providers.
Maritime & Port Operations
The Port of South Louisiana (world's largest by tonnage) and Port of New Orleans drive maritime employment. Longshoremen earn $50,000-$90,000, ship pilots $200,000-$400,000+, and port engineers $80,000-$130,000. River pilots on the Mississippi command $300,000-$500,000+ for the expertise required to navigate one of the world's busiest waterways.
Construction (Industrial)
Major plant construction and turnarounds create premium opportunities for industrial crafts. Pipefitters, welders, electricians, and instrumentation technicians earn $60,000-$120,000+ during peak construction periods. Travel workers following major projects can significantly exceed these figures.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrochemical Engineering | $75,000 | $110,000 | $150,000+ |
| Offshore Oil & Gas | $65,000 | $95,000 | $140,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $220,000 | $300,000 | $420,000+ |
| Nursing (RN) | $52,000 | $65,000 | $80,000+ |
| Industrial Construction | $50,000 | $75,000 | $110,000+ |
Louisiana Tax Analysis
State Income Tax Brackets (2025)
| Taxable Income (Single) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $12,500 | 1.85% |
| $12,501 – $50,000 | 3.5% |
| $50,001+ | 4.25% |
Louisiana's income tax is among the nation's lowest, with a top rate of only 4.25%. Combined with low cost of living, this creates strong after-tax purchasing power.
Tax Comparison
| Annual Salary | LA State Tax | CA State Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | ~$2,000 | ~$2,900 | $900 |
| $100,000 | ~$3,700 | ~$7,100 | $3,400 |
| $150,000 | ~$5,800 | ~$12,500 | $6,700 |
Property taxes average 0.55% of home value—well below the national average. Sales taxes can reach 9.5% combined with local rates, somewhat offsetting income tax savings.
Louisiana Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense Category | Louisiana | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 78 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $195,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,050 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation Index | 92 | 100 |
| Healthcare Index | 94 | 100 |
Housing by Metro
| Metro Area | Median Home Price | Median Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans (desirable areas) | $350,000 | $1,500 |
| Baton Rouge | $225,000 | $1,100 |
| Lafayette | $210,000 | $1,000 |
| Shreveport | $165,000 | $850 |
| Lake Charles | $185,000 | $950 |
A $75,000 salary in Louisiana provides equivalent purchasing power to approximately $100,000 in Denver or $130,000 in Los Angeles.
Highest Paying Jobs in Louisiana 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| River Pilots | $400,000 | $500,000+ |
| Physicians/Surgeons | $275,000 | $420,000+ |
| Petroleum Engineers | $135,000 | $190,000+ |
| Chemical Engineers | $115,000 | $160,000+ |
| Dentists | $165,000 | $250,000+ |
| IT Directors | $125,000 | $170,000+ |
| Plant Managers | $140,000 | $200,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $120,000 | $145,000+ |
| Attorneys | $100,000 | $180,000+ |
| Nurse Practitioners | $105,000 | $130,000+ |
Energy Industry Cycles
Louisiana's energy sector offers exceptional wages but significant volatility. Workers must understand and prepare for industry cycles:
Boom Periods (High Oil Prices)
• Abundant jobs, premium wages, signing bonuses
• Overtime abundant, contractors in high demand
• Housing costs spike in energy-dependent areas
• Competition for workers drives wages higher
Bust Periods (Low Oil Prices)
• Layoffs, particularly among contractors and service companies
• Wage stagnation or cuts
• Reduced hiring, project delays
• Workers with diverse skills retain employment better
Career Strategies
Smart energy workers save aggressively during booms, develop transferable skills (maintenance, instrumentation, project management), and consider operator roles at major refineries (more stable than contractors) or LNG facilities (growing sector with long-term contracts).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana good for energy careers?
Louisiana is one of America's best states for energy careers, offering abundant opportunities in petrochemical, refining, LNG, and offshore sectors. Salaries are nationally competitive while cost of living is low. However, the industry's cyclical nature requires financial preparation for downturns.
Can I afford New Orleans on a service industry salary?
It's challenging. Desirable New Orleans neighborhoods have become expensive, while service wages remain modest. Many service workers live in more affordable suburbs and commute, or share housing. Tipped workers in upscale establishments can earn more than base wages suggest.
How does Louisiana compare to Texas for energy jobs?
Both offer excellent energy sector opportunities. Texas has more total jobs due to size, while Louisiana has higher concentration in petrochemicals. Texas has no income tax (Louisiana max 4.25%). Louisiana's Chemical Corridor offers particular strength in refining and chemicals; Texas in upstream oil and gas.
What's quality of life like in Louisiana?
Louisiana offers unique cultural richness—world-famous cuisine, music, festivals (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest), and community traditions unlike anywhere else. Climate is hot and humid; hurricanes are a real consideration. Outdoor activities include fishing, hunting, and bayou exploration. Quality of public services and schools is mixed.
Is Lake Charles worth relocating to?
Lake Charles offers excellent energy sector wages, particularly for LNG and petrochemical work. Housing was affordable until the recent boom. The city is smaller with limited amenities compared to larger metros. Workers often use it as a stepping stone for experience and savings before relocating.