Baton Rouge vs Ruston: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $33,249▲ | $32,455 |
| Hourly Rate | $15.99▲ | $15.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,960▲ | $27,744 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,929▲ | $29,275 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,296▲ | $35,472 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $39,693▲ | $37,805 |
| Total Employed | 3,500▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Ruston is $794 (2.45%). Baton Rouge's median is -26.12% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $8,733,Ruston spans $10,061. Ruston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($36,626 effective) pays 1.90% more than Ruston ($35,941 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($33,249/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($39,693)
- ✓Larger job market (3,500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $36,626)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Baton Rouge grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Ruston over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$23,450 (2019) → $31,220 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$26,050 (2024) → $30,474 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Baton Rouge or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Ruston?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Ruston as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Baton Rouge vs Ruston?
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