Horn Lake vs Jackson: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Horn Lake, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Horn Lake, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,625 | $48,383▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.01 | $23.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,226 | $35,315▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,029 | $38,688▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,442 | $49,848▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,067 | $61,482▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Horn Lake.
The salary gap between Horn Lake and Jackson is $6,758 (16.24%). 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 Horn Lake spans $21,841,Jackson spans $26,167. Jackson 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, Jackson ($54,334 effective) pays 11.87% more than Horn Lake ($48,571 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Horn Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,383/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,482)
- ✓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 Horn Lake grew 41.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Horn Lake, MS
$28,545 (2024) → $40,358 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$36,520 (2019) → $46,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Horn Lake, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Horn Lake or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Horn Lake and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Horn Lake to Jackson as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Horn Lake 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