Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Gulfport, MS: $71,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Gulfport, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $71,982/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Gulfport's price premium (BEA RPP 90.0, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $79,975 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gulfport, Mississippi, senior licensed practical nurses can earn an attractive salary, with top earners (P90) projected to make $71,982 in 2026. This figure represents a significant elevation from the median annual salary of $59,647, illustrating the substantial experience premium available to seasoned professionals. The gap between the median and top-tier pay reflects the demand for advanced skills and the complexities involved in caring for patients in a variety of settings. Achieving top licensed practical nurse salary in Gulfport often hinges on specialized training and certifications, allowing these experienced nurses to command higher compensation while fulfilling critical roles that require advanced clinical knowledge and expertise.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Gulfport earn between $63,589 and $71,982 per year (2026 est.). This $23,254 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Gulfport median of $59,647 sits 12.38% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Gulfport | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,647 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,589 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $71,982 | $88,196 |
In Gulfport, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 20.68% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Gulfport
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $59,647 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Gulfport employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Gulfport command premium compensation, often reaching the $63,589–$71,982 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Gulfport metro area, which is a large LPN employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Gulfport with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Mississippi who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Gulfport
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGulfport ranks #3 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $71,982).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Gulfport ($71,982) is 8.34% above the Mississippi average P90 ($66,440).
2019 BLS Actual
$50,260
2025 BLS Actual
$68,100
2026 Current Est.
$71,982
2019–2027 Growth
+51.4%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,085 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Gulfport saw their compensation grow 35.5% from $50,260 in 2019 to $68,100 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $76,085 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Gulfport
To further enhance earnings, Gulfport's senior licensed practical nurses should consider pursuing certifications in high-demand areas such as IV therapy, wound care, or hospice and palliative care. These specializations not only differentiate professionals in a competitive field but significantly boost compensation across different employer types. Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offer higher pay scales compared to hospitals and physician offices, making them attractive employers for advanced practitioners. Career advancement opportunities abound as well, with pathways leading to positions such as nursing supervisors or MDS coordinators in long-term care settings. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials and maintaining an active state board LPN license are essential steps for professionals aiming to elevate their senior licensed practical nurse pay in MS. Non-salary benefits, like shift differentials and bonuses for weekends or holidays, further enhance overall compensation, creating incentives for nurses who take on critical roles in facilities focusing on geriatric care and rehabilitation.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Gulfport in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Gulfport?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Gulfport?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Gulfport?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Gulfport?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $68,100 for licensed practical nurses in the Gulfport metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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