Gulfport vs Meridian: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Gulfport, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,434▲ | $40,280 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.32▲ | $19.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,181▲ | $32,339 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,677▲ | $37,644 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,477▲ | $47,703 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,636▲ | $49,769 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Meridian is $6,154 (15.28%). 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 Gulfport spans $26,455,Meridian spans $17,430. 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, Gulfport ($51,590 effective) pays 9.76% more than Meridian ($47,001 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓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 41.4% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$28,540 (2019) → $45,020 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$27,623 (2024) → $39,054 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Gulfport or Meridian?
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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