Jackson vs Meridian: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Jackson, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,560▲ | $55,303 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.19▲ | $26.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,083 | $44,396▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,560▲ | $51,333 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,283 | $63,977▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,382 | $68,367▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,050▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Jackson and Meridian is $1,257 (2.27%). Jackson's median is -16.91% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $21,299,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 1.60% more than Jackson ($63,516 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,560/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓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 Jackson grew 35.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$39,530 (2019) → $53,510 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$37,372 (2024) → $52,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Jackson or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Meridian as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Jackson 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