Hattiesburg vs Hernando: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Hernando, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Hernando, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,389 | $40,000▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.94 | $19.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,354 | $31,248▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,285 | $38,267▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,929▲ | $47,727 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,687▲ | $49,807 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg and Hernando are closely matched on overall dental assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Hernando is $611 (1.55%). Hernando's median is -19.32% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $29,333,Hernando spans $18,559. Hattiesburg 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, Hernando ($46,674 effective) pays 3.84% more than Hattiesburg ($44,948 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,687)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hernando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,000/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,674)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Hattiesburg grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.4% growth in Hernando over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$30,950 (2019) → $38,190 (2025)
Hernando, MS
$27,430 (2024) → $38,782 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Hernando, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Hattiesburg or Hernando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Hernando?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Hernando as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Hattiesburg vs Hernando?
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