Hattiesburg vs Laurel: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,389▲ | $39,296 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.94▲ | $18.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,354 | $33,037▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,285 | $37,625▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,929▲ | $46,142 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,687▲ | $47,536 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Laurel is $93 (0.24%). Hattiesburg's median is -20.55% 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,Laurel spans $14,499. 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, Laurel ($45,853 effective) pays 2.01% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,389/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,687)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,853)
- ✓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 Laurel over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$30,950 (2019) → $38,190 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$26,948 (2024) → $38,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Hattiesburg or Laurel?
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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