Gulfport vs Jackson: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Gulfport, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,434 | $48,383▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.32 | $23.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,181 | $35,315▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,677 | $38,688▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,477▲ | $49,848 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,636▲ | $61,482 |
| Total Employed | 450 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Jackson is $1,949 (4.20%). Jackson's median is -2.41% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $26,455,Jackson spans $26,167. Gulfport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($54,334 effective) pays 5.32% more than Gulfport ($51,590 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,636)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,383/year)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,334)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Gulfport grew 57.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$28,540 (2019) → $45,020 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$36,520 (2019) → $46,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Gulfport or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Jackson as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Gulfport vs Jackson?
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