Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $45,896 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Vicksburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,896 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vicksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,554 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,010) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field in Vicksburg, Mississippi, can expect a starting salary around $45,896. This entry-level pay reflects a considerable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $56,010, suggesting that recent graduates should be prepared for a gradual earnings progression as they gain experience. Over the first few years, newly licensed LPNs can anticipate their salaries rising from the entry-level range to approximately $52,402 within the first 3-5 years, eventually reaching or exceeding the median. With a projected growth rate of 5.70% annually for this profession, Vicksburg is currently a promising market for new LPNs, particularly given its relatively lower cost of living, which may help their starting salaries stretch further while they establish their careers.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vicksburg
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 Vicksburg
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Vicksburg, MS typically start between $45,896 and $52,402 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,715 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,010 — 17.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $7,000 represents just 15.25% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($45,896/year) in Vicksburg. 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 Vicksburg
- 1Research the Vicksburg market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $45,896 to $52,402, 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 Vicksburg, 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 Vicksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Vicksburg'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 Vicksburg is $20,715 ( 45.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,896, experienced hygienists can earn up to $66,611.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,169
2025 BLS Actual
$43,421
2026 Current Est.
$45,896
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,169 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,051 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,868 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,893 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,421 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,896 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,512 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Vicksburg, MS grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,169 in 2019 to $43,421 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,512. New graduates entering the Vicksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg
Employers seeking to fill LPN positions in Vicksburg primarily include skilled nursing facilities, which typically provide structured on-the-job orientation for new graduates. Home health agencies also represent a significant opportunity for new grads, offering flexible schedules that can accommodate various lifestyle needs. Additionally, physician offices in the area often prefer candidates who come with relevant clinic experience. New graduates can enhance their starting potential through various credentials, such as an active LPN/LVN license and a diploma from an approved practical nursing program. Passing the NCLEX-PN is a must, and obtaining certifications in IV therapy or wound care can be advantageous. In the initial years, many new LPNs may work toward bridging their careers with LPN-to-RN programs, especially since the employment trend is shifting towards all-RN staffing in hospitals. As entry-level positions come with realistic growth expectations based on experience and additional credentials, the strategic focus on skill development and ongoing education will be pivotal for a fulfilling career in practical nursing in Vicksburg.
More salary data for Vicksburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Vicksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vicksburg 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