Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Laurel, MS: $65,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Laurel, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $65,299/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Laurel's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $76,195 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Mississippi, experienced licensed practical nurses can expect significant earning potential, with top earners bringing home $65,299 in 2026. This figure is notable within the context of senior licensed practical nurse pay in MS, as it reflects a considerable gap when compared to the median annual salary of $53,952. Achieving top licensed practical nurse salary in Laurel necessitates strategic advancement through specialized certifications, network building, and potentially transitioning into roles that offer higher compensation. Professionals looking to reach these salary ceilings often invest in additional skills such as IV therapy or wound care, which not only enhance their capabilities but also elevate their marketability in a competitive healthcare landscape.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Laurel earn between $61,894 and $65,299 per year (2026 est.). This $19,943 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Laurel median of $53,952 sits 20.74% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Laurel | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $53,952 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,894 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $65,299 | $88,196 |
In Laurel, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 21.03% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Laurel
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $53,952 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Laurel employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Laurel command premium compensation, often reaching the $61,894–$65,299 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Laurel metro area 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 Laurel with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing 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 Laurel
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLaurel ranks #16 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $65,299).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Laurel ($65,299) is 1.72% below the Mississippi average P90 ($66,440).
2019 BLS Actual
$46,911
2025 BLS Actual
$61,778
2026 Current Est.
$65,299
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,911 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,229 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,789 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,654 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,984 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,778 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,021 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Laurel saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $46,911 in 2019 to $61,778 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 $69,021 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
Compensation in Laurel varies significantly based on the type of employer, with specific specializations becoming increasingly lucrative. For example, professionals working in long-term care settings or those with certifications in inpatient nursing, hospice, or pediatric home care may find that their pay reflects their advanced skills and the high demand for such expertise. Senior licensed practical nurses can also explore roles as charge nurses or move into admissions coordinating and MDS coordinator positions to boost their earning potential. The landscape in Laurel allows for diverse paths toward promotion, whether through LPN-to-RN bridge programs or further certification. Additionally, non-salary compensation, such as stipends for specialized skills, weekend differentials, and charge Nurse pay, adds layers to the overall remuneration package, making Laurel a compelling place for experienced LPNs.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Laurel in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Laurel?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Laurel?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Laurel?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Laurel?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 $61,778 for licensed practical nurses in the Laurel 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
Salary data for Laurel 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