Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Tupelo, MS: $27.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Tupelo, MS runs $27.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,770 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Tupelo's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,667 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Tupelo, Mississippi, is projected to reach a median of $27.78. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $32.73, highlighting the regional pay disparity faced by LPNs in MS. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into meaningful earnings while also offering flexibility, impacting their work-life balance. Per-diem roles in this field provide even more variability, with opportunities in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. Tupelo's licensed practical nurses can expect to see hourly wages ranging from $21.19 at entry-level positions to approximately $34.06 for the most experienced professionals, demonstrating a clear ladder of advancement based on skills and experience.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.19 | $169.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.64 | $213.09 |
| Median (P50) | $27.78 | $222.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.90 | $255.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.06 | $272.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tupelo
Based on $27.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.78/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tupelo, MS can expect to earn approximately $57,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,334. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tupelo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tupelo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,111.12 | $4,815 | $57,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.67 | $2,889 | $34,667 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.45 | $1,926 | $23,111 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Tupelo) | $27.78 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Tupelo, MS earn a median of $57,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $58,354.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.78/hr = $34,667/year (purchasing power: $40,451).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,778/year (purchasing power: $67,419).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Tupelo grew 35.6% from $19.38/hr (2019) to $26.28/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.36/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tupelo 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Tupelo
Exploring the earning potential for a licensed practical nurse in Tupelo reveals significant opportunities for part-time and per-diem work. A part-time LPN working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would take home about $34,643 annually, which is less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem licensed practical nurses in Tupelo often command between $28 and $42 per hour, with agency LPNs in high-demand facilities potentially earning $45 to $60 an hour. The pay structures can vary widely between employer types, ranging from lower wages in assisted living facilities to higher rates in home healthcare and correctional settings. While the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits is crucial, many opt for consistent roles with benefits over higher pay without stability. For those looking to negotiate their hourly rates, understanding the local demand for services and the scope of practice allowed by Mississippi's regulations holds significant value in discussions with employers.
More salary data for Tupelo, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Tupelo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tupelo 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