Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Hernando, MS: $19.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Hernando, MS runs $19.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,000 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Hernando's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,006 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Hernando, Mississippi, can expect a median hourly pay of $19.24, which is significantly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This discrepancy means that those working in typical settings, whether in general dentistry operatories or specialized environments such as orthodontic or oral surgery suites, may find their earnings underwhelming compared to national standards. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this hourly rate offers a stable income, while entry-level positions can start as low as $15.03 per hour. Conversely, top earners in Hernando can make as much as $23.95 per hour, reflecting a competitive range in earnings that fits various levels of experience and expertise in the profession.
About the Hernando 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) | $15.03 | $120.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.40 | $147.20 |
| Median (P50) | $19.24 | $153.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.95 | $183.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.95 | $191.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hernando
Based on $19.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.24/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hernando, MS can expect to earn approximately $40,010 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,083. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hernando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hernando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $769.42 | $3,334 | $40,010 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $461.65 | $2,001 | $24,006 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $307.77 | $1,334 | $16,004 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Hernando) | $19.24 |
| 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 Hernando, MS earn a median of $40,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.90% below the Mississippi state average of $42,508.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.24/hr = $24,006/year (purchasing power: $28,012).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,010/year (purchasing power: $46,686).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hernando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Hernando grew 19.9% from $15.55/hr (2019) to $18.65/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.84/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 Hernando 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 Hernando
For a dental assistant working part-time at 24 hours a week, the annual earnings can still provide a workable budget, totaling approximately $24,000. However, the dynamics shift for those seeking per diem opportunities in the area. Per diem dental assistant pay in Hernando can range from $22 to $35 per hour, especially for roles in more specialized fields such as oral surgery or orthodontics. Dental assistants in these niches can command hourly rates between $28 and $45 when filling temporary positions through agencies like Cloud Dentistry or GoTu. It's essential for dental assistants to consider the type of employer, as general practices tend to offer lower rates compared to specialty practices or larger dental service organizations (DSOs). Those weighing offers must also balance hourly wages with benefits; some may opt for positions with lower pay but solid health insurance. Negotiating is crucial—working closely with regional averages and understanding the demand for dental assistants in Hernando can substantially influence pay rates.
More salary data for Hernando, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Hernando in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Hernando?
Are dental assistants in Hernando paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Hernando?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hernando?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Hernando. 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 Hernando 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