Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Tupelo, MS: $57,770 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Tupelo, MS earns a median $57,770/year (≈ $27.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Tupelo's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $67,410 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The skilled nursing sector in Tupelo, MS, offers a competitive atmosphere for licensed practical nurses, with a projected median annual salary of $57,770 in 2026. In this region, salaries for LPNs range significantly, from $44,090 at the lower end to $70,843 for those at the higher end of the pay spectrum. These figures are reflective of local estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities. With Tupelo's healthcare landscape continuing to evolve, factors such as the choice between working in skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, or clinics can greatly influence compensation levels and job security for LPNs.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,090 | $21.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,408 | $26.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,770 | $27.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,350 | $31.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,843 | $34.06 |
Median Salary Position
15.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tupelo
In Tupelo, MS, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,753 (2026 est.). At $57,770, the local median is 15.13% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tupelo: You'd be above the median
How Tupelo Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Tupelo median: $57,770/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tupelo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $58,354 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -15.13% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tupelo has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tupelo, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $57,770 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,410 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,295
2025 BLS Actual
$54,655
2026 Current Est.
$57,770
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,433 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,796 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,355 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,039 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,655 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,770 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,063 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tupelo metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $40,295 (2019) to $54,655 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,063 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,768 (51.54%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,090 – $55,408 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,408 – $57,770 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,770 – $66,350 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,350 – $70,843 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Tupelo
Despite the modest number of licensed practical nurses employed in Tupelo—only seven—this local job market still shows promise for growth, supported by a cost-of-living index of 85.7, which indicates lower living expenses compared to the national average. The highest salaries in Tupelo are typically found within skilled nursing facilities and long-term care organizations, which tend to offer shift differentials and incentives for specialized skills such as IV therapy certification. The spread in pay largely stems from these employment settings; for instance, long-term care positions generally pay more than those in home health or physician offices. To maximize earning potential in the area, LPNs can pursue additional certifications, seek employment in environments that offer higher pay scales, and consider roles that provide weekend or holiday premiums. This is particularly relevant in the context of the projected growth rate of 5.70% for this profession, suggesting a steady demand for skilled nurses in the healthcare field.
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $54,655 for licensed practical nursesin the Tupelo metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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