Lafayette vs New Orleans: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Lafayette, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,017▲ | $128,716 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.84▲ | $61.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,507 | $112,350▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,195 | $127,301▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,993 | $153,647▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,042 | $174,673▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Lafayette and New Orleans are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lafayette and New Orleans is $10,301 (8.00%). Lafayette's median is -0.98% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $60,535,New Orleans spans $62,323. New Orleans has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lafayette ($159,407 effective) pays 14.68% more than New Orleans ($139,007 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,017/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,407)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,673)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Lafayette grew 68.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$80,100 (2019) → $134,550 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$97,090 (2019) → $124,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Lafayette or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to New Orleans as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Lafayette vs New Orleans?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov