Salaries in Alexandria, LA
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the thing about Alexandria: you can make a shockingly good living here without the big-city salary pressure. The median household income sits at just $47,357, but the real story is in the purchasing power.
With a cost of living index of 86.2—about 14% below the national average—your dollar stretches. A one-bedroom apartment averages $757 a month, which is a bargain compared to most places. This means a salary of $76,058 (the city-wide average) feels more like $88,234 in real terms. For a mid-sized city in Central Louisiana, that’s a solid foundation.
Who’s thriving here? The top earners are in healthcare, tech, and construction. Pharmacists and software developers are pulling in six figures, adjusted for the low cost of living. Major employers like Rapides Regional Medical Center and Barksdale Air Force Base (just down the road) anchor the healthcare and federal sectors. The construction boom, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, keeps project managers and construction managers in high demand.
But here’s the honest take: wages haven’t kept pace with the slight inflation we’ve seen into 2026. While the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.3%, the city’s educational attainment—only 24.2% with a bachelor’s degree or higher—can cap earning potential for some. It’s a fantastic place if you have a high-demand skill, but it can be tougher if you’re in a field that doesn’t command a premium.
The data below breaks down who’s earning what, and why Alexandria’s financial appeal is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Alexandria
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Alexandria
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (86/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing Manager | $151,094 |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $130,398 |
| 3 | Software Developer | $121,991 |
| 4 | Construction Manager | $103,730 |
| 5 | Project Manager | $97,087 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist | $95,582 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $94,910 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $88,910 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $83,906 |
| 10 | Accountant | $82,516 |
| 11 | Registered Nurse | $82,506 |
| 12 | Data Analyst | $79,908 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $71,808 |
| 14 | Human Resources Specialist | $64,849 |
| 15 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,034 |
| 16 | Plumber | $60,727 |
| 17 | Paralegal | $60,152 |
| 18 | Electrician | $59,001 |
| 19 | Real Estate Agent | $58,934 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $58,800 |
| 21 | Firefighter | $54,755 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $54,563 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $53,365 |
| 24 | Heavy Truck Driver | $50,892 |
| 25 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $47,929 |
| 26 | Welder | $47,536 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $36,685 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Alexandria
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Alexandria?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Alexandria. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Alexandria Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Alexandria Worth It?
Here’s my honest verdict: Alexandria is a budget-friendly place to build a life, but you’ll need to hustle to earn big. With the cost of living at 86.2 and rent at just $757, your paycheck stretches further, but the average salary of $76,058 won’t make you rich.
Frankly, the best opportunity isn’t in tech, but in healthcare and skilled trades, where local demand is steady and your money goes even further. Marketing managers are the clear winners, hitting a COL-adjusted $175,283, but that’s an outlier.
If you’re considering the move, my advice is simple: secure the job before you arrive. The market isn’t as broad as in bigger cities, and you don’t want to bet on finding high-paying work after you’ve signed a lease.