Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Oxford, MS: $45,252 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Oxford, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,252 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oxford's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,803 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,656) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field in Oxford, MS can expect to start their careers with a salary around $45,252 annually. This figure represents the 10th percentile for entry-level positions, which may be below the city’s median salary of $55,656. However, the potential for growth is notable; over time, LPNs can anticipate moving from $45,252 to about $52,084 at the 25th percentile within three to five years, eventually aiming for the median. Given Oxford’s current job market, paired with a projected growth rate of 5.70%, new grads can find promising opportunities in the area, despite it being slightly lower than the national median of $68,071.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oxford
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxford
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Oxford, MS typically start between $45,252 and $52,084 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,226 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,656 — 18.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $7,000 represents just 15.47% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($45,252/year) in Oxford. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Oxford
- 1Research the Oxford market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $45,252 to $52,084, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oxford, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Oxford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oxford's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Oxford is $24,226 ( 53.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,252, experienced hygienists can earn up to $69,478.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,746
2025 BLS Actual
$42,812
2026 Current Est.
$45,252
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,746 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,616 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,976 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,309 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,812 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,252 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,832 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Oxford, MS grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,746 in 2019 to $42,812 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,832. New graduates entering the Oxford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Oxford
In Oxford, various employers actively seek out newly licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers particularly tend to hire these individuals due to the on-the-job training they offer, making it an ideal first stop for new graduates. Meanwhile, home health agencies are known for providing flexible scheduling options, appealing to those who may have other commitments. Candidates with additional credentials—such as an active LPN license, NCLEX-PN passage, or certifications in IV therapy—can enhance their starting licensed practical nurse pay in MS. In the initial years, focusing on gaining diverse experience is crucial, particularly since LPN scope of practice can vary by state, and many LPNs find rewarding pathways in the LPN-to-RN bridge programs as they progress. Realistically, new graduates can expect gradual salary increases as they build their skills and experience in this evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Oxford in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Oxford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oxford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov