Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Clinton, MS: $18.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Clinton, MS runs $18.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,066 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Clinton's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,440 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Mississippi, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $18.78, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. For dental assistants working part-time, such as those who see patients just three days a week, this hourly wage translates to about $30,116 annually, making the role an appealing option for individuals seeking flexible employment in dental clinics, pediatric offices, orthodontic practices, and specialty surgical suites. The hourly range for dental assistants in Clinton varies significantly, from $15.61 for entry-level positions to up to $22.57 for more experienced personnel or specialists, highlighting potential earnings based on experience and specific job settings.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.61 | $124.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.85 | $142.83 |
| Median (P50) | $18.78 | $150.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.90 | $175.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.57 | $180.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clinton
Based on $18.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.78/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clinton, MS can expect to earn approximately $39,066 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,538. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clinton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clinton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $751.27 | $3,256 | $39,066 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $450.76 | $1,953 | $23,440 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.51 | $1,302 | $15,626 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Clinton) | $18.78 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Clinton, MS earn a median of $39,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.20% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 8.10% below the Mississippi state average of $42,510.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.78/hr = $23,440/year (purchasing power: $27,351).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,066/year (purchasing power: $45,585).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Clinton grew 19.9% from $15.18/hr (2019) to $18.21/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.37/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Clinton
Considering part-time work, a dental assistant putting in 24 hours a week would earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts, making annual earnings lower than expected. Per diem dental assistant pay in Clinton can be higher, with rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for standard assignments and reaching $28 to $45 per hour in specialized roles such as oral surgery or orthodontics. Employment in various settings impacts the pay scale; dental assistants in group practices, corporate chains like Heartland or Aspen, and specialty offices may find different compensation rates due to differences in operational structure and budget. Additionally, some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, illustrating a trade-off that can affect personal choice in job selection. For those in the field, understanding local pay trends and negotiating effectively can be the key to achieving a satisfactory balance between hourly pay and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Clinton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Clinton?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Clinton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov