Skip to main content

Military Enlisted Salary in New Orleans, LA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for New Orleans's cost of living (index: 96). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in New Orleans β€” Key Numbers

$39,360
Median Salary
$28,320
25th Percentile
$54,528
75th Percentile
$71,040
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-4.0%
New Orleans median household income$52,000
vs. City household income-24.3%

Cost of Living in New Orleans

Cost of Living Index
96(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,271/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio38.8%
Annual rent cost$15,252
Median Home Price$245,000
Home Price / Salary6.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$49,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in New Orleans

5.4%
Unemployment Rate
1,290,000
Metro Population
27 min
Avg Commute
38.1
Median Age

New Orleans has a metro population of 1,290,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 5.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Louisiana Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in New Orleans, LA?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in New Orleans is $39,360 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by New Orleans's cost of living index (96). The typical salary range runs from $28,320 (25th percentile) to $54,528 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $71,040.

Is New Orleans affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $39,360 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in New Orleans would spend approximately 38.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,271/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in New Orleans may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $245,000 is 6.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to New Orleans's overall income?

New Orleans's median household income is $52,000. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $39,360 earns 24.3% less than the typical New Orleans household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that New Orleans has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.