Columbus vs Gulfport: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Columbus, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Gulfport, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,954 | $46,434▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.20 | $22.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,310 | $35,181▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,070▲ | $37,677 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,204 | $50,477▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,184 | $61,636▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Gulfport is $6,480 (16.22%). Gulfport's median is -6.34% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $15,874,Gulfport spans $26,455. Gulfport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($51,590 effective) pays 10.66% more than Columbus ($46,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,434/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,636)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,590)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Columbus grew 41.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 57.7% growth in Gulfport over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$27,400 (2024) → $38,738 (2025)
Gulfport, MS
$28,540 (2019) → $45,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Columbus or Gulfport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Gulfport?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Gulfport as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Columbus vs Gulfport?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov