Jackson vs Starkville: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Jackson, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,383▲ | $41,319 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.26▲ | $19.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,315▲ | $31,482 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,688 | $39,884▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,848▲ | $48,613 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,482▲ | $50,526 |
| Total Employed | 790▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $7,064 (17.10%). 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 Jackson spans $26,167,Starkville spans $19,044. Jackson 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 12.69% more than Starkville ($48,214 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Jackson grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.4% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$36,520 (2019) → $46,910 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$28,335 (2024) → $40,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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