Highest-paying jobs in Louisiana
Answer
Family Medicine Physicians have the highest median pay in Louisiana, $255,330 a year, followed by nurse anesthetists ($222,130) and dentists, general ($170,750). The median for all jobs in Louisiana is $45,520, 48th of the 50 states and DC; adjusted for local prices it ranks 31st.
- Median salary, all jobs
- $45,520
- 48th of 51 · US $50,980
- Median hourly wage
- $21.89
- US $24.51
- Price level (US = 100)
- 88.2
- Median worth $51,606 at US prices (31st)
- Jobs
- 1,934,900
- 634 occupations published
How these lists work
Occupations with at least 500 jobs in Louisiana, ranked by median annual wage (BLS OEWS, May 2025, state estimates). Typical entry education from BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Occupations BLS did not publish for Louisiana are not listed. Methodology
The 25 highest-paying jobs in Louisiana
| # | Occupation | Median pay | Hourly median | Jobs | US median | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family Medicine Physicians | $255,330 | $122.75 | 1,090 | $244,180 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 2 | Nurse Anesthetists | $222,130 | $106.80 | 900 | $236,590 | Master's degree |
| 3 | Dentists, General | $170,750 | $82.09 | 1,500 | $170,950 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 4 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $162,850 | $78.29 | 1,840 | $171,270 | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Petroleum Engineers | $139,640 | $67.13 | 710 | $144,910 | Bachelor's degree |
| 6 | Chemical Engineers | $134,800 | $64.81 | 730 | $125,040 | Bachelor's degree |
| 7 | Industrial Production Managers | $133,210 | $64.05 | 2,680 | $126,060 | Bachelor's degree |
| 8 | Pharmacists | $132,410 | $63.66 | 5,610 | $140,910 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 9 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $129,040 | — | 640 | $99,080 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 10 | Physician Assistants | $128,870 | $61.96 | 1,360 | $135,880 | Master's degree |
| 11 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $127,500 | $61.30 | 2,860 | $175,140 | Bachelor's degree |
| 12 | Financial Managers | $126,800 | $60.96 | 7,070 | $166,570 | Bachelor's degree |
| 13 | Nurse Practitioners | $125,600 | $60.38 | 5,380 | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| 14 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $125,130 | — | 2,250 | $107,310 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 15 | Veterinarians | $124,370 | $59.79 | 950 | $130,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 16 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | $124,200 | $59.71 | 2,340 | $104,920 | Bachelor's degree |
| 17 | Electrical Engineers | $123,710 | $59.48 | 990 | $120,630 | Bachelor's degree |
| 18 | Industrial Engineers | $122,920 | $59.09 | 1,710 | $102,440 | Bachelor's degree |
| 19 | Marketing Managers | $120,650 | $58.01 | 940 | $166,790 | Bachelor's degree |
| 20 | Mechanical Engineers | $119,540 | $57.47 | 1,890 | $104,110 | Bachelor's degree |
| 21 | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | $117,160 | $56.33 | 6,830 | $92,460 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 22 | Sales Managers | $110,700 | $53.22 | 4,360 | $148,270 | Bachelor's degree |
| 23 | Construction Managers | $110,010 | $52.89 | 5,530 | $114,990 | Bachelor's degree |
| 24 | Gas Plant Operators | $108,350 | $52.09 | 800 | $87,820 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 25 | Human Resources Managers | $107,880 | $51.87 | 1,390 | $149,280 | Bachelor's degree |
Highest-paying jobs in Louisiana without a degree
Typical entry education is a high school diploma, no formal credential, some college or a postsecondary certificate.
| # | Occupation | Median pay | Hourly median | Jobs | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gas Plant Operators | $108,350 | $52.09 | 800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 2 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $106,640 | $51.27 | 3,490 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 3 | Chemical Plant and System Operators | $100,060 | $48.10 | 3,400 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 4 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $93,650 | $45.03 | 2,840 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 5 | Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas | $86,980 | $41.82 | 890 | No formal educational credential |
| 6 | Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $78,580 | $37.78 | 6,430 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 7 | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $77,520 | $37.27 | 9,350 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 8 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $76,410 | $36.74 | 2,520 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 9 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $75,550 | $36.32 | 10,490 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 10 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $75,360 | $36.23 | 14,070 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 11 | Boilermakers | $73,980 | $35.57 | 1,220 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 12 | First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $73,700 | $35.43 | 1,840 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 13 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $70,470 | $33.88 | 3,120 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 14 | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $68,830 | $33.09 | 1,180 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 15 | Construction and Building Inspectors | $68,260 | $32.82 | 1,440 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Most common jobs in Louisiana
| # | Occupation | Jobs | Median pay | Hourly median | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Retail Salespersons | 49,570 | $29,490 | $14.18 | No formal educational credential |
| 2 | Registered Nurses | 48,970 | $80,230 | $38.57 | Bachelor's degree |
| 3 | Cashiers | 46,350 | $26,750 | $12.86 | No formal educational credential |
| 4 | Fast Food and Counter Workers | 45,720 | $22,800 | $10.96 | No formal educational credential |
| 5 | Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 45,060 | $22,520 | $10.83 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 6 | Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 43,730 | $35,340 | $16.99 | No formal educational credential |
| 7 | General and Operations Managers | 43,220 | $101,790 | $48.94 | Bachelor's degree |
| 8 | Waiters and Waitresses | 33,870 | $15,080 | $7.25 | No formal educational credential |
| 9 | Office Clerks, General | 31,790 | $32,480 | $15.62 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 10 | Stockers and Order Fillers | 31,710 | $34,490 | $16.58 | No formal educational credential |
| 11 | Food Preparation Workers | 30,920 | $23,620 | $11.36 | No formal educational credential |
| 12 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 28,540 | $49,320 | $23.71 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 13 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 28,040 | $38,790 | $18.65 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 14 | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 27,610 | $28,930 | $13.91 | No formal educational credential |
| 15 | Customer Service Representatives | 25,780 | $37,330 | $17.95 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 16 | Construction Laborers | 22,100 | $38,230 | $18.38 | No formal educational credential |
| 17 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 22,060 | $58,770 | — | Bachelor's degree |
| 18 | Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 21,490 | $43,960 | $21.13 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 19 | First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 20,810 | $57,180 | $27.49 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 20 | Nursing Assistants | 20,690 | $30,510 | $14.67 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Jobs concentrated in Louisiana
Concentration is the location quotient: the occupation’s share of jobs in the state divided by its share nationally. 2.0× means twice as common as in the US overall.
| # | Occupation | Concentration vs. US | Jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sailors and Marine Oilers | 19.2× | 7,580 | $46,610 |
| 2 | Chemical Plant and System Operators | 16.4× | 3,400 | $100,060 |
| 3 | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | 14.9× | 6,830 | $117,160 |
| 4 | Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 11.3× | 1,370 | $64,110 |
| 5 | Boilermakers | 9.6× | 1,220 | $73,980 |
| 6 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 8.4× | 3,490 | $106,640 |
| 7 | Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas | 6.7× | 890 | $86,980 |
| 8 | Riggers | 6.6× | 1,840 | $43,660 |
| 9 | Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | 6.2× | 3,460 | $44,850 |
| 10 | Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 5.8× | 3,130 | $60,760 |
| 11 | Ship Engineers | 5.8× | 610 | $103,430 |
| 12 | Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | 5.8× | 910 | $49,410 |
What 128 careers pay in Louisiana
Click a heading to sort
| Pediatrician | $502,720 | 1 | $569,932 | $210,040 | 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $410,500 | 15 | $465,383 | $391,490 | 190 |
| OB-GYN | $404,550 | 5 | $458,637 | $292,910 | 80 |
| Psychiatrist | $345,040 | 2 | $391,171 | $281,870 | 90 |
| CRNA | $222,130 | 35 | $251,828 | $236,590 | 900 |
| Dentist | $170,750 | 22 | $193,579 | $170,950 | 1,500 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $136,970 | 14 | $155,282 | $134,960 | 90 |
| Chemical Engineer | $134,800 | 4 | $152,822 | $125,040 | 730 |
| Pharmacist | $132,410 | 50 | $150,113 | $140,910 | 5,610 |
| Physician Assistant | $128,870 | 41 | $146,100 | $135,880 | 1,360 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $125,600 | 45 | $142,392 | $132,300 | 5,380 |
| Veterinarian | $124,370 | 32 | $140,998 | $130,100 | 950 |
| Electrical Engineer | $123,710 | 15 | $140,250 | $120,630 | 990 |
| Airline Pilot | $120,740 | 35 | $136,883 | $232,140 | 150 |
| Marketing Manager | $120,650 | 41 | $136,781 | $166,790 | 940 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $119,540 | 8 | $135,522 | $104,110 | 1,890 |
| Nurse Midwife | $119,280 | 34 | $135,227 | $134,040 | 60 |
| Optometrist | $118,060 | 44 | $133,844 | $136,570 | 250 |
| Construction Manager | $110,010 | 27 | $124,718 | $114,990 | 5,530 |
| HR Manager | $107,880 | 50 | $122,303 | $149,280 | 1,390 |
| Network Engineer | $106,620 | 44 | $120,875 | $134,050 | 470 |
| Civil Engineer | $105,380 | 5 | $119,469 | $100,840 | 3,780 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $104,550 | 42 | $118,528 | $123,860 | 7,470 |
| Lawyer | $104,100 | 42 | $118,018 | $159,670 | 10,200 |
| Software Engineer | $102,800 | 48 | $116,544 | $135,980 | 4,080 |
| Operations Manager | $101,790 | 29 | $115,399 | $105,770 | 43,220 |
| Air Traffic Controller | $99,810 | 39 | $113,154 | $148,080 | 230 |
| Physical Therapist | $98,530 | 42 | $111,703 | $102,760 | 3,280 |
| Occupational Therapist | $98,490 | 27 | $111,658 | $100,330 | 2,060 |
| Meteorologist | $97,470 | 25 | $110,501 | $99,070 | 70 |
| Commercial Pilot | $95,940 | 46 | $108,767 | $123,220 | 910 |
| Business Analyst | $95,540 | 34 | $108,313 | $101,860 | 4,760 |
| Radiation Therapist | $94,710 | 37 | $107,372 | $105,310 | 230 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $92,990 | 45 | $105,422 | $129,180 | 720 |
| Marine Biologist (Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist data) | $87,460 | 6 | $99,153 | $76,780 | 50 |
| Web Developer | $85,330 | 21 | $96,738 | $92,650 | 490 |
| Dental Hygienist | $85,240 | 40 | $96,636 | $98,100 | 2,690 |
| Project Manager | $84,850 | 44 | $96,194 | $102,320 | 8,050 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $84,320 | 34 | $95,593 | $109,370 | 30 |
| Computer Engineer | $83,550 | 40 | $94,720 | $161,740 | 270 |
| School Principal | $83,360 | 48 | $94,505 | $105,870 | 5,080 |
| Judge | $83,040 | 36 | $94,142 | $153,990 | 180 |
| Actuary | $80,860 | 36 | $91,671 | $130,000 | 40 |
| Ultrasound Technician | $80,710 | 47 | $91,501 | $96,590 | 1,150 |
| Chiropractor | $80,280 | 21 | $91,013 | $79,200 | 370 |
| Registered Nurse | $80,230 | 44 | $90,957 | $97,550 | 48,970 |
| Labor and Delivery Nurse (RN data) | $80,230 | 44 | $90,957 | $97,550 | 48,970 |
| NICU Nurse (RN data) | $80,230 | 44 | $90,957 | $97,550 | 48,970 |
| Travel Nurse (RN data) | $80,230 | 44 | $90,957 | $97,550 | 48,970 |
| ICU Nurse (RN data) | $80,230 | 44 | $90,957 | $97,550 | 48,970 |
| Pediatric Nurse (RN data) | $80,230 | 44 | $90,957 | $97,550 | 48,970 |
| Aircraft Mechanic | $79,780 | 23 | $90,446 | $79,870 | 1,150 |
| Architect | $79,580 | 48 | $90,220 | $99,280 | 1,200 |
| Data Scientist | $78,760 | 48 | $89,290 | $120,230 | 1,300 |
| MRI Technician | $77,510 | 49 | $87,873 | $95,480 | 510 |
| Lineman | $76,410 | 48 | $86,626 | $95,320 | 2,520 |
| Financial Analyst | $75,680 | 50 | $85,798 | $102,740 | 1,450 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $75,240 | 42 | $85,299 | $82,280 | 2,520 |
| Audiologist | $75,200 | 49 | $85,254 | $95,780 | 140 |
| Accountant | $73,810 | 47 | $83,678 | $83,680 | 14,050 |
| Psychologist | $71,330 | 46 | $80,867 | $100,580 | 320 |
| Nutritionist | $70,460 | 29 | $79,880 | $76,400 | 800 |
| Speech-language Pathologist | $69,610 | 50 | $78,917 | $97,870 | 3,000 |
| School Psychologist | $69,020 | 47 | $78,248 | $95,990 | 670 |
| UX Designer | $68,790 | 37 | $77,987 | $104,000 | 170 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $65,370 | 23 | $74,110 | $68,380 | 1,670 |
| Claims Adjuster | $65,220 | 48 | $73,940 | $78,000 | 3,340 |
| Radiology Technician | $63,680 | 48 | $72,194 | $80,110 | 3,370 |
| Plumber | $63,680 | 27 | $72,194 | $63,800 | 8,360 |
| Court Reporter | $63,380 | 23 | $71,854 | $72,420 | 270 |
| TSA Officer | $63,130 | 29 | $71,570 | $66,770 | 460 |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,760 | 21 | $71,151 | $62,520 | 810 |
| Welder | $62,250 | 8 | $70,573 | $53,750 | 13,690 |
| Underwater Welder (Commercial Diver data) | $62,230 | 14 | $70,550 | $72,990 | 230 |
| Train Conductor | $62,170 | 28 | $70,482 | $78,000 | 390 |
| School Counselor | $61,870 | 27 | $70,142 | $64,330 | 4,820 |
| Electrician | $61,540 | 35 | $69,768 | $63,190 | 10,550 |
| HR Specialist | $61,300 | 49 | $69,496 | $75,940 | 7,240 |
| Crane Operator | $61,170 | 39 | $69,348 | $68,080 | 1,930 |
| Loan Officer | $61,110 | 48 | $69,280 | $76,690 | 2,810 |
| Librarian | $60,650 | 36 | $68,759 | $68,270 | 2,130 |
| Interior Designer | $60,610 | 40 | $68,713 | $67,190 | 350 |
| Detective | $60,450 | 49 | $68,532 | $93,790 | 1,740 |
| Paralegal | $60,250 | 31 | $68,305 | $62,890 | 4,890 |
| High School Teacher | $59,850 | 43 | $67,852 | $72,040 | 15,210 |
| Mail Carrier | $58,910 | 43 | $66,786 | $60,550 | 5,090 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $58,770 | 41 | $66,627 | $63,970 | 22,060 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $58,680 | 42 | $66,525 | $61,770 | 3,270 |
| HVAC Technician | $58,650 | 36 | $66,491 | $61,010 | 5,380 |
| LPN | $57,470 | 46 | $65,154 | $64,400 | 17,600 |
| Surgical Technician | $57,370 | 47 | $65,040 | $64,650 | 2,230 |
| Paramedic | $56,050 | 38 | $63,544 | $60,600 | 2,040 |
| Insurance Agent | $55,440 | 43 | $62,852 | $62,280 | 7,100 |
| Medical Lab Technician | $54,460 | 42 | $61,741 | $62,930 | 3,790 |
| IT Support Specialist | $52,440 | 45 | $59,451 | $61,860 | 4,780 |
| Cardiovascular Technologist | $50,050 | 46 | $56,742 | $74,310 | 890 |
| Carpenter | $49,920 | 41 | $56,594 | $60,580 | 8,990 |
| Graphic Designer | $49,910 | 46 | $56,583 | $62,960 | 1,750 |
| Truck Driver | $49,320 | 51 | $55,914 | $58,640 | 28,540 |
| Bus Driver | $48,860 | 32 | $55,392 | $59,050 | 1,490 |
| Police Officer | $48,380 | 49 | $54,848 | $76,210 | 12,400 |
| Mortician | $46,730 | 37 | $52,978 | $55,010 | 440 |
| Auto Mechanic | $46,400 | 46 | $52,604 | $50,620 | 8,620 |
| Real Estate Agent | $45,850 | 42 | $51,980 | $52,830 | 1,940 |
| Chef | $45,570 | 51 | $51,663 | $62,470 | 1,990 |
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist | $44,610 | 48 | $50,574 | $51,140 | 2,600 |
| Barber | $44,430 | 12 | $50,370 | $38,210 | 40 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $44,410 | 33 | $50,347 | $45,750 | 6,700 |
| Personal Trainer | $44,410 | 30 | $50,347 | $47,160 | 2,290 |
| Dental Assistant | $44,090 | 45 | $49,985 | $48,070 | 4,540 |
| Private Investigator | $41,950 | 42 | $47,559 | $51,220 | 860 |
| Correctional Officer | $39,850 | 48 | $45,178 | $58,940 | 7,960 |
| Garbage Collector | $38,810 | 46 | $43,999 | $49,690 | 2,200 |
| Construction Worker | $38,230 | 48 | $43,341 | $47,120 | 22,100 |
| Mental Health Counselor | $37,910 | 51 | $42,978 | $59,350 | 6,420 |
| Esthetician | $36,890 | 46 | $41,822 | $45,330 | 600 |
| Massage Therapist | $36,480 | 50 | $41,357 | $58,450 | 890 |
| Medical Assistant | $36,320 | 49 | $41,176 | $45,690 | 12,310 |
| Phlebotomist | $36,120 | 51 | $40,949 | $45,230 | 3,410 |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $35,960 | 49 | $40,768 | $47,700 | 620 |
| EMT | $35,870 | 48 | $40,666 | $44,470 | 2,450 |
| Vet Tech | $35,530 | 51 | $40,280 | $47,380 | 2,220 |
| Firefighter | $33,120 | 50 | $37,548 | $59,280 | 5,230 |
| CNA | $30,510 | 51 | $34,589 | $42,260 | 20,690 |
| Nail Technician | $28,170 | 45 | $31,936 | $35,760 | 2,210 |
| Substitute Teacher | $27,370 | 46 | $31,029 | $41,670 | 1,090 |
| Cosmetologist | $26,030 | 50 | $29,510 | $35,790 | 2,720 |
| Bartender | $20,850 | 50 | $23,638 | $34,340 | 10,140 |
BLS OEWS, May 2025, state estimates; adjusted with BEA regional price parities (2024). Rank among states: 1 = highest median of the states with published data.