Nursing Jobs in New Orleans, LA

Overview: Nursing Jobs in New Orleans, LA

Looking for nursing jobs in New Orleans, LA? The Big Easy is a vibrant, historic city known for its rich culture, world-class music, and legendary cuisine. With a population of nearly 363,000, it offers a mix of big-city energy with a tight-knit community feel. Plus, with top-ranked hospitals, specialty clinics, and a strong demand for healthcare professionals, it offers plenty of career opportunities for nursing professionals.

Whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, per diem, or travel nursing jobs in New Orleans, we can help. Let’s dive into what it’s like to live and work as a nurse in this one-of-a-kind city.

Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in New Orleans, LA

Is Louisiana a compact state? Yes, nurses with a compact licensure can work in Louisiana. Learn more about the general rules of the profession in our article on the Louisiana Nurse Practice Act.
What do nursing professionals earn in New Orleans? Check out this breakdown below of average annual nursing salaries in NOLA by credentials:
NP salary in New Orleans: $125,790
RN salary in New Orleans: $89,700
LPN salary in New Orleans: $58,890
CNA salary in New Orleans: $34,220
Where can I get information about nurse license requirements in Louisiana? The Louisiana State Board of Nursing has information on licensure and renewals in the state. If you’re approaching your license expiration in LA, see our three-step guide on how to renew your Louisiana nursing license.
Where can I search for nursing jobs in the New Orleans area? There are several options, including in the following surrounding areas:
Nursing jobs in Metairie, Louisiana
Nursing jobs in Slidell, Louisiana
Nursing jobs in Franklinton, Louisiana
Nursing jobs in Belle Chasse, Louisiana
Nursing jobs in Bogalusa, Louisiana

What to Know When Looking for Nursing Jobs in New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is part of a larger metropolitan area, with surrounding suburbs contributing to a collective population of 960,000. There’s a strong demand for nursing professionals to provide care in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings.

Find nursing jobs in New Orleans, LA, by profession below:

As one of the most culturally rich cities in the South, New Orleans is home to a population that reflects a mix of backgrounds and traditions. View the demographic makeup of this city below:

55% is Black
30% is White
8% is Hispanic or Latino
7% is two or more races
3% is Asian
0.3% is American Indian or Alaskan native

Nurses in New Orleans have the unique opportunity to work with a wide range of patients and play an essential role in addressing health disparities across the region. Learn more about cultural competency training before starting a job in NOLA.

Working in New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans’ major industries include technology, manufacturing, trade and logistics, healthcare, and environmental management. Most professionals drive to work, with an average one-way commute time of around 23 minutes, compared to 26.8 minutes nationally.

Public transportation is also an option, with buses, streetcars, and ferries operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The city’s historic streetcar system offers routes through charming neighborhoods and districts, including mid-city, the riverfront, and uptown.

Looking for major healthcare employers in the area? New Orleans is home to well-regarded hospitals and medical centers, including:

Ochsner Medical Center
AMG Physical Rehabilitation Hospital
AVALA Hospital
Beacon Behavioral Health
Bridgepoint Continuing Care Hospital
Children's Hospital New Orleans
Cobalt Rehabilitation Hospital of New Orleans
Community Care Hospital

If you’re looking for roles outside of acute care, you’ll find many other nursing specialty roles in New Orleans. Corrections nurses might check out roles with Correct Health. Looking for public health opportunities? The State of Louisiana might have the right position for you. And urgent care nurses can search for roles with Premier Health Urgent Care.

For nurses with families, New Orleans offers a variety of childcare options, including daycare centers, early learning programs, and private and charter schools. The Louisiana Department of Education has a directory of early childhood care providers and preschools.

If you have pets who will need care while you’re working or traveling, New Orleans has many pet care providers in the area.

Living in New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its history, music, and world-famous cuisine, so it’s no wonder NOLA is an appealing place for nurses to live and work. Whether you’re drawn to its historic charm, thriving arts scene, or lively festivals, New Orleans offers a unique lifestyle for healthcare professionals.

The French Quarter is a must-see, with its historic architecture, live jazz, and famous spots like Bourbon Street and Jackson Square. The Garden District has a quieter charm, with oak-lined streets and beautiful mansions. Music lovers can enjoy live performances any night of the week at venues like Preservation Hall or on Frenchmen Street. For a deeper dive into the city’s history, visit the National WWII Museum, or take a guided tour through one of New Orleans' historic cemeteries.

Food is a major part of life here, and the city is home to legendary Creole and Cajun cuisine. Whether you’re craving beignets, a po’ boy, or a fine-dining experience, there’s something for every palate. Neighborhoods like the Marigny, Bywater, and Uptown have trendy eateries, historic bars, and cozy cafés to explore.

New Orleans also has scenic parks, bayous, and nature trails for those looking for outdoor exploration. Take a stroll through City Park’s botanical gardens, walking trails, and the historic Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. The Audubon Park provides beautiful green space right in the city, while nature lovers can take a short drive to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve for kayaking and wildlife spotting.

The cost of living in New Orleans is slightly higher than the national average, and 13% higher than the rest of the state. A typical home in New Orleans averages $256,000 — 24% less expensive than the national average of $338,100. Renting in town is also more reasonable, with the average two-bedroom apartment running about $1,250 compared to $1,430 for the United States as a whole.

New Orleans has a subtropical climate, so you can expect humidity alongside mild winters. Summers are hot, with average highs in July around 92 degrees. Winter lows average at 45 degrees, and it’s rare for the area to get snow. New Orleans gets 64 inches of rain per year on average. If you love a city with rich history and endless entertainment, New Orleans could be the perfect place to build your nursing career.

Find Nursing Jobs in New Orleans, LA

Whether you’re packing your bags for a move or just looking for a new role in the same area, IntelyCare can help you find your next nursing job. Learn more with personalized job notifications that let you know when great roles open up.