Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Healthcare
Registered Nurse Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Mississippi, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MS Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$74,470 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of 74,470, Registered Nurses in Mississippi earn 20% below the national median of $93,600. Mississippi ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$74,470Hourly estimate
$35.8020% below national median
Difference: -$19,130
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRegistered Nurse Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 140,330 |
| #2 | Hawaii | 136,320 |
| #3 | Oregon | 123,990 |
| #4 | Washington | 112,180 |
| #5 | Alaska | 110,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Registered Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $74,470 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $79,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $71,040 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $78,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $77,130 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
MS Board of Nursing
713 Pear Orchard Road, Plaza II Suite 300, Ridgeland, MS, 39157
Phone: 6019576300
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $61,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,990 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $47,480 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $37,130 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Mississippi?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Mississippi?
Mississippi lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Mississippi is 74,470. Salaries range from $58,130 (10th percentile) to $104,040 (90th percentile).
How does the Registered Nurse salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Mississippi earn 20% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of 74,470.
How many Registered Nurses work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 29,400 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Mississippi from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.msbn.ms.gov/.