Hattiesburg vs Meridian: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,106 | $55,303▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.58 | $26.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,430 | $44,396▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,859 | $51,333▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,351 | $63,977▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,314 | $68,367▲ |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Meridian, MS offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Meridian is $4,197 (8.21%). Meridian's median is -18.76% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $22,884,Meridian spans $23,971. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Meridian ($64,531 effective) pays 10.65% more than Hattiesburg ($58,318 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,303/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,367)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,531)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Hattiesburg grew 27.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$37,920 (2019) → $48,350 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$37,372 (2024) → $52,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hattiesburg or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Meridian as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hattiesburg vs Meridian?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov