Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Pearl, MS: $45,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Pearl, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,618 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pearl's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,230 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,784) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the nursing field in Pearl, Mississippi, the starting licensed practical nurse salary is projected at $45,618 in 2026. This figure sets a baseline that stands significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $57,784, illustrating the typical pay gap experienced by entry-level positions. However, within the first few years of employment, earnings can rise as experience is gained, moving from the entry-level salaries toward the 25th percentile at $53,202, and eventually nearing the city average. As the demand for healthcare workers grows in Pearl—with an annual growth rate of 5.70%—newly minted licensed practical nurses have a favorable market for career advancement, making this an opportune time to enter the profession.
About the Pearl Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pearl
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 Pearl
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Pearl, MS typically start between $45,618 and $53,202 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,269 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,784 — 15.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $7,000 represents just 15.34% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($45,618/year) in Pearl. 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 Pearl
- 1Research the Pearl market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $45,618 to $53,202, 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 Pearl, 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 Pearl for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pearl'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 Pearl is $25,269 ( 55.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,618, experienced hygienists can earn up to $70,887.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,987
2025 BLS Actual
$43,158
2026 Current Est.
$45,618
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pearl (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,987 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,863 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,234 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,132 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,627 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,705 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,158 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,218 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Pearl, MS grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,987 in 2019 to $43,158 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,218. New graduates entering the Pearl job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl 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 Pearl
In Pearl, various healthcare employers actively seek out newly graduated licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities are among the top hirers, often providing comprehensive on-the-job training that eases the transition from academics to practical work. Home health agencies are also appealing for new grads due to their flexible scheduling options, facilitating a better work-life balance. Additionally, a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, coupled with passing the NCLEX-PN and holding an active LPN license, are essential for entry-level positions. Those who pursue additional certifications—such as IV therapy or wound care—may enhance their marketability and starting pay in Mississippi. Given that a significant portion of LPNs (approximately 35%) is employed in long-term care, early career strategies should include seeking positions in this sector or considering LPN-to-RN bridging programs to expand career possibilities and realize realistic salary growth within the first three years of practice.
More salary data for Pearl, 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 Pearl. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pearl 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