Baton Rouge, LA Metropolitan Wage Intelligence
Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025, HUD FY 2027 Fair Market Rents, EPI 2026 Family Budget, 2026 tax tables · Methodology
Baton Rouge, LA has a cost-of-living index of 109.5 (9.5% above the national average), HUD fair market rent of $1,014 for a 1-bedroom unit, and a single-adult living wage of $24.22/hour. This dossier benchmarks 59 occupations against Baton Rouge, LA wage percentiles, led by Architectural and Engineering Managers at $165,060 median.
HUD Fair Market Rents & Family Expenditure Benchmarks
Official Fair Market Rent (FMR) levels established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paired with living wage targets.
In the Baton Rouge, LA metropolitan statistical area, a single working adult needs an estimated $24.22/hour ($50,378/year) to cover basic expenditures, while two working adults supporting one child each need about $20.41/hour.
Sector & Industry Compensation Highlights
Breakdown of median earnings, workforce scale, and premier occupations across major economic sectors.
Comparative Occupation Salary Matrix
Localized median wages, hourly equivalents, national premium deltas, and purchasing power across all tracked careers.
| Occupation Title & Category | Metro Median Salary | Hourly Rate | vs National Avg | CoL Adjusted Real Wage | Explore |
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Peer Metropolitan Market Comparisons
Side-by-side BLS median wages, housing rent benchmarks, and municipal tax rates across key regional competitors.
Metropolitan Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in the Baton Rouge, LA metropolitan area in 2026?
The BLS median wage across all occupations in Baton Rouge, LA is $48,710 per year ($23.42/hour), −4.5% vs US (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents in Baton Rouge, LA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) data, a 1-bedroom apartment in Baton Rouge, LA costs $1,014/month and a 2-bedroom $1,149/month. The metro's median wage covers annual 1BR rent 4.0x over.
What local municipal taxes apply to workers in Baton Rouge, LA?
Workers residing or performing services within Baton Rouge, LA are subject to no municipal income tax, in addition to statutory state income tax, federal income tax, and FICA withholdings.
What is the living wage required in Baton Rouge, LA for single adults and families?
Based on the EPI Family Budget Calculator, a single working adult in Baton Rouge, LA needs about $24.22/hour ($50,378/year) to cover basic expenses. Two working adults supporting one child each need about $20.41/hour, 84,906 a year for the household.
Metropolitan statistical area compensation intelligence, living wage requirements, and occupation distributions in Baton Rouge, LA. Official 2026 economic data for Baton Rouge, LA compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.