Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Gulfport, MS

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Gulfport, Mississippi.

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The Salary Picture: Where Gulfport Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Gulfport isn't a high-cost city, which makes the local nursing wages stretch further than you might expect. The median salary for an LPN in the Gulfport metro area is $52,866/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.42/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, but the lower cost of living more than compensates for this difference.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Local Insight
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $49,000	Most new grads start in long-term care or home health. Hospital jobs are competitive and often require 1+ year of experience.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$50,000 - $57,000	This is where most LPNs in Gulfport fall. Specialties like wound care or dialysis can push you toward the higher end.
Senior (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	Typically seen in supervisory roles (e.g., charge nurse in a nursing home) or specialized outpatient clinics.
Expert (15+ years)	$66,000+	Rare for pure LPN roles; usually requires transitioning to an RN or taking a highly specialized, clinic-owned position.

The Local Reality: The 10-year job growth for LPNs in the metro area is 5%. While this is slower than the national average, it’s steady. Gulfport has 145 active LPN jobs in the metro area at any given time. The biggest driver of demand here isn't hospital expansion—it's our aging population and the proliferation of outpatient surgical centers and specialty clinics along Highway 90 and the newly developed areas near the Crossroads.

Insider Tip: Pay is often higher in the coastal cities (Long Beach, Pass Christian) than in inland Gulfport. Facilities there compete for staff because they have to attract talent away from Biloxi's larger hospital system.

Comparison to Other MS Cities:

• Jackson (MS Metro): Median is ~$53,500. Higher pay, but vastly higher cost of living and commute stress.
• Hattiesburg: Median is ~$50,200. Slightly lower pay, but comparable cost of living.
• Gulfport/Biloxi: The sweet spot. The Cost of Living Index is 89.3 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar goes about 11% further than the national average.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. On a $52,866/year salary, your monthly take-home pay (after federal taxes, FICA, and Mississippi state taxes) will be approximately $3,300 - $3,400. The biggest variable is your housing choice.

Here’s a practical monthly budget breakdown for an LPN living in Gulfport:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Average 1BR Rent	$923/month	This is the city-wide average. You can find less in West Gulfport or more in near-beach areas.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. Gulfport's humid climate means higher summer AC bills.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential. Gulfport has limited public transit. A reliable car is non-negotiable.
Groceries & Fuel	$450 - $550	Gas prices are typically lower than the national average.
Misc. & Savings	$400 - $600	Healthcare, entertainment, and savings.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,323 - $2,873
Remaining Monthly	$427 - $977	This is your buffer for savings, debt, or lifestyle.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Gulfport is around $185,000. With a 5% down payment ($9,250), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,100 - $1,200 (including taxes and insurance). This is only about 30-35% of your gross monthly income, which is manageable. Many LPNs here buy a home within 2-3 years of moving, often in neighborhoods like Orange Grove or the West Gulfport area.

Where the Jobs Are: Gulfport's Major Employers

The job market here is stable but concentrated. Here are the major players you need to know:

1. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport: The largest employer in the region. They have a 24/7 ER, surgical services, and a generous LPN-to-RN bridge program. Hiring is competitive; they often prefer candidates with BLS and ACLS certifications.
2. Gulfport Care Center & The Gardens at Gulfport: These are the two largest skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in the city. They are always hiring LPNs for day and night shifts. This is the most reliable entry point for new grads or those new to the area.
3. Biloxi Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center: Located just 15 minutes away in Biloxi. Offers federal benefits, excellent pay, and a focus on geriatric and mental health care. The hiring process is slow but worth the wait.
4. Medical Associates of Gulfport: A large, multi-specialty clinic group. They hire LPNs for their cardiology, orthopedics, and family medicine offices. Hours are typically 8-5, no weekends—highly sought after.
5. HomeCare Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of MS): Huge demand for home health LPNs. You need a clean driving record and your own reliable vehicle. Pay is often per visit, offering flexibility but less stability.
6. Ocean Springs Hospital (Nearby): Just a 20-minute drive east. Often cited by local nurses as having a better work culture than the larger Gulfport hospitals. Worth the commute for the right fit.
7. Baptist Hospital in Biloxi: Part of the expanding Baptist Health System. They are growing their surgical and outpatient services, creating new LPN roles in pre-op and PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit).

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward outpatient and home-based care. The traditional hospital floor job is still there, but growth is in specialty clinics (especially wound care and dialysis) and home health.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

• State Licensing Board: Mississippi State Board of Nursing (MSBN).
• Requirements:
  1. Graduate from an approved LPN program (accredited by ACEN or CCNE).
  2. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
  3. Submit a background check (fingerprinting is required).
  4. Complete the application online via the MSBN website.
• Costs: Application fee is $100, plus $38.75 for fingerprinting. Total initial cost: ~$140.
• Timeline: From application submission to receiving your license typically takes 4-6 weeks if your background check is clear. If you're an endorsement from another state, allow 6-8 weeks.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from another state, start the endorsement process before you arrive. Mississippi is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so if your home state is a compact state, your license is valid here immediately. Check the MSBN website for the current compact list.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Your neighborhood choice affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
West Gulfport	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. 10-15 min drive to Memorial Hospital.	$850 - $950	New grads and budget-conscious nurses. Easy access to I-10.
Orange Grove	Suburban feel, more modern apartments and townhomes. 15-20 min to most employers.	$950 - $1,100	Those wanting a balance of space and convenience. Good for families.
Downtown/Beach Blvd	Walkable, vibrant, near the beach. Older apartments. 5-10 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,300	Younger LPNs who want nightlife and a short commute. Parking can be tough.
Long Beach	Small-town charm, excellent schools, just west of Gulfport. 10-15 min commute.	$900 - $1,100	LPNs with families or those seeking a quieter, safe community.
Biloxi (East Side)	Closer to VA Hospital & Baptist Hospital. Mix of older and new developments.	$800 - $1,000	For those prioritizing a job at the VA or Biloxi hospitals.

Commute Note: Traffic is generally light unless there's a major event (like a hurricane evacuation or a festival). The I-10 corridor is the main artery.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying as an LPN in Gulfport is sustainable, but advancement requires strategy.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest pay bumps for LPNs come from specialized certifications:
  • Wound Care (WCC): +$2-$4/hour. In high demand due to a large diabetic population.
  • IV Therapy Certification: +$1-$2/hour. Essential for many clinic and home health roles.
  • Dialysis: +$3-$5/hour. DaVita and Fresenius have clinics in the area.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. LPN to RN Bridge: The most common path. Most local hospitals (Memorial, Baptist) and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) offer robust bridge programs. An RN license typically increases salary by $8,000-$12,000 locally.
  2. Charge Nurse (in SNFs): After 3-5 years, you can oversee a unit. Pay increase is modest but adds supervisory experience.
  3. Clinical Supervisor (Home Health): Manage a team of field nurses. Requires strong organizational skills.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 5% growth, the market will remain stable. The key is to avoid stagnation. The LPNs who thrive here are those who either specialize (becoming the go-to wound care expert at a clinic) or transition to RN. The local MGCCC program is a fantastic, affordable resource for this.

The Verdict: Is Gulfport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living – Your salary goes far.	Hurricane Risk – Must have a storm plan and flood insurance.
Stable Job Market – 145+ jobs, steady growth.	Limited Public Transit – A car is mandatory.
No State Tax on Social Security – A small but nice perk.	Humid Climate – Long, hot summers can be draining.
Beach Lifestyle – Unbeatable for stress relief on off-days.	Limited Specialties – Fewer high-tech hospital roles vs. major metros.
Strong Nursing Community – Supportive and tight-knit.	Tourism Traffic – Summer traffic on Highway 90 can be frustrating.

Final Recommendation: Gulfport is an excellent choice for LPNs who value work-life balance, affordability, and a relaxed lifestyle. It's ideal for new grads looking for an affordable start, mid-career nurses seeking a change of pace, or those planning to bridge to RN. If you're pursuing ultra-specialized, research-focused hospital roles, a larger metro might be better. But for a solid career with a low cost of living and the beach at your doorstep, Gulfport is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find housing with a lease?
A: Yes. The rental market is active. Use local Facebook groups like "Gulfport Rentals" and "Biloxi Rentals" for the best deals, often from private landlords. Apartments are plentiful, especially in West Gulfport and Orange Grove.

Q: What's the on-call expectation like?
A: In hospitals, on-call is common for LPNs in specialties like dialysis or same-day surgery. In SNFs and home health, it's less frequent. Always ask about call expectations during the interview.

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 89.3 is accurate. Groceries, gas, and housing are significantly cheaper than in cities like New Orleans, Atlanta, or Nashville. The main financial surprises are car insurance (higher due to weather) and flood insurance if you buy near the coast.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Absolutely. Public transit (Coast Transit Authority) is limited and not reliable for shift work. You'll need a car to get to work, grocery stores, and for leisure.

Q: What's the best way to network with other nurses here?
A: Join the Mississippi Nurses Association (MNA) Gulf Coast district. They host local events and have a strong Facebook presence. Also, the nursing staff at Memorial and the VA are very connected; once you're in, you'll hear about openings through word-of-mouth.

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Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Mississippi State Board of Nursing (MSBN), Zillow Rental Data, AreaVibes Cost of Living Index, and local employer job postings (Memorial Hospital, Gulfport Care Center).