Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Hattiesburg, MS: $18.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Hattiesburg, MS runs $18.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,389 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Hattiesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.6, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,633 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $18.94, which is considerably lower than the national median of $23.84 per hour. This wage is indicative of the area’s cost of living, allowing local dental assistants to sustain themselves while working in diverse settings such as general dentistry operatories, orthodontic practices, and pediatric exam rooms. Entry-level positions usually start at around $14.59 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $28.69 per hour. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data provides a clear picture of the potential earnings in the region, reflecting both the entry-level opportunities and the possibilities for advancement within this crucial healthcare support role.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.59 | $116.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.44 | $139.53 |
| Median (P50) | $18.94 | $151.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.04 | $184.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.69 | $229.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hattiesburg
Based on $18.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.94/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hattiesburg, MS can expect to earn approximately $39,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,724. With a cost-of-living index of 87.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hattiesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hattiesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $757.46 | $3,282 | $39,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $454.48 | $1,969 | $23,633 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $302.98 | $1,313 | $15,755 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Hattiesburg) | $18.94 |
| 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 Hattiesburg, MS earn a median of $39,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.55% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.30% below the Mississippi state average of $42,491.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.94/hr = $23,633/year (purchasing power: $26,968).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,388/year (purchasing power: $44,946).
CoL index: 87.633 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Hattiesburg grew 23.4% from $14.88/hr (2019) to $18.36/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.53/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 Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week as a dental assistant in Hattiesburg could yield an annual income significantly different from that of full-time employees. Part-time dental assistants may find themselves earning around $18,000 to $25,000 annually depending on their consistent hours, while per-diem work offers an avenue for higher hourly earnings. Many per diem dental assistants in the area typically bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with those specializing in areas like oral surgery and orthodontics earning even higher, upwards of $28 to $45 per hour. Additionally, hourly rates can vary widely based on employer type; general practices, specialty offices, and dental schools each present unique pay structures. Some dental assistants might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively can make a difference, with insights about local pay scales influencing outcomes.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, 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
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 Hattiesburg. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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