Jackson vs Tupelo: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Jackson, MS and Tupelo, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Tupelo, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,560 | $57,770▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.19 | $27.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,083 | $44,090▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,560 | $55,408▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,283 | $66,350▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,382 | $70,843▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,050▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Tupelo, MS offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Tupelo is $1,210 (2.14%). Tupelo's median is -15.13% 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,Tupelo spans $26,753. Tupelo 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, Tupelo ($67,410 effective) pays 6.13% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (2,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Tupelo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,770/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,843)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,410)
- ✓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 Tupelo over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$39,530 (2019) → $53,510 (2025)
Tupelo, MS
$39,039 (2024) → $54,655 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Tupelo, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Jackson or Tupelo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Tupelo?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Tupelo as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Jackson vs Tupelo?
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