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Professor 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.

Professor Salary in New Orleans β€” Key Numbers

$81,005
Median Salary
$55,296
25th Percentile
$117,562
75th Percentile
$162,163
90th Percentile
National median (Professor)$84,380
vs. National median-4.0%
New Orleans median household income$52,000
vs. City household income+55.8%

Cost of Living in New Orleans

Cost of Living Index
96(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,271/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio18.8%
Annual rent cost$15,252
Median Home Price$245,000
Home Price / Salary3.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$49,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.0 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.

Professor Salary β€” Other Louisiana Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in New Orleans, LA?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in New Orleans is $81,005 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by New Orleans's cost of living index (96). The typical salary range runs from $55,296 (25th percentile) to $117,562 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $162,163.

Is New Orleans affordable for a Professor?

On a $81,005 annual salary, a Professor in New Orleans would spend approximately 18.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,271/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making New Orleans relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $245,000 is 3.0Γ— the annual salary.

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

New Orleans's median household income is $52,000. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $81,005 earns 55.8% more than the typical New Orleans household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.