Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $19.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Columbus, MS runs $19.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,954 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,967 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Columbus, MS, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $19.20, a figure significantly below the national median of $23.84. This disparity may affect part-time and per-diem professionals in various dental settings, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, and surgical suites for specialists. For those working three days a week, or around 24 hours, this translates to a steady income, making it a viable choice for individuals balancing multiple commitments. The hourly rate for dental assistants in Columbus ranges from $15.05 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) to $22.68 for those at the higher end of the pay scale (90th percentile), highlighting the potential for upward mobility based on experience and specialization.
About the Columbus 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) | $15.05 | $120.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.78 | $150.25 |
| Median (P50) | $19.20 | $153.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.22 | $177.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.68 | $181.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $19.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.20/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $39,946 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,046. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $768.19 | $3,329 | $39,946 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $460.91 | $1,997 | $23,967 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $307.27 | $1,332 | $15,978 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Columbus) | $19.20 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $39,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $42,505.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.20/hr = $23,967/year (purchasing power: $27,967).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,946/year (purchasing power: $46,611).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Columbus grew 19.9% from $15.53/hr (2019) to $18.62/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.81/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Examining the earning potential, working part-time as a dental assistant could yield a considerably different annual take-home compared to full-time employment. A part-time position, typically racking up 24 hours weekly, would lack the benefits often associated with full-time work, such as health insurance or paid time off. Per diem dental assistant pay in Columbus can vary widely; many professionals in roles such as oral surgery or orthodontics could charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with some even reaching $28 to $45 per hour for specialized short-term assignments. Employers such as general dental practices or DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen may offer varied rates, compelling some dental assistants to opt for lower hourly rates to secure consistent benefits. When negotiating rates, it's advantageous for dental assistants to consider their qualifications, particularly those with certifications from organizations like the DANB. This knowledge can lead to better pay negotiations in a competitive job market driven by the evolving landscape of dental healthcare employment in Columbus.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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