Licensed Practical Nurse in Mississippi

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$48,850

trending_down -21.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Mississippi.

engineering

9,880

Jobs (MS)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$260

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Mississippi

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Mississippi, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Mississippi Board of Nursing. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are mandatory for all applicants. Mississippi does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact for LPNs, meaning LPNs licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,540

25th percentile $44,260

50th (median) $48,850

75th percentile $57,120

90th (experienced) $61,440

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Mississippi. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Mississippi requirements

Licensing body	Mississippi Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$60
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. No CE is required for renewal unless the LPN has been out of practice for more than five years, in which case 20 hours of CE are required. Mississippi does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for LPNs; therefore, LPNs must apply for licensure by endorsement.

Source: Mississippi Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.6%

Average

Annual openings

54,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

651,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleMississippi license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a licensed practical nurse in Mississippi? expand_more

In Mississippi, becoming a licensed practical nurse requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($60 fee).

Does Mississippi require licensed practical nurse licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in Mississippi without a state license from Mississippi Board of Nursing. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.

How much do licensed practical nurses make in Mississippi? expand_more

Mississippi licensed practical nurses bring home a median salary of $48,850. — 22% under the $62,340 national average. The range spans from $37,540 at the entry level to $61,440 for top earners.

How expensive is licensed practical nurse licensing in Mississippi? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($200) and application fee ($60). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse in Mississippi? expand_more

Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in Mississippi — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.