Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Horn Lake, MS: $20.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Horn Lake, MS runs $20.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Horn Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,971 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Horn Lake, Mississippi, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $20.01, distinctly lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate reflects the local job market and cost of living, providing a foundation for various employment situations, including part-time and per-diem roles. For those working part-time, such as on a 3-day/week schedule, this translates to flexible earning opportunities, making this profession accessible across various settings like general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and oral surgery suites. Within the city, hourly earnings range from $15.49 for entry-level positions to $25.99 for those at the highest end of the pay scale, showcasing potential growth as one gains experience and skills tailored to specific specialties.
About the Horn Lake 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) | $15.49 | $123.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.29 | $146.29 |
| Median (P50) | $20.01 | $160.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.29 | $186.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.99 | $207.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Horn Lake
Based on $20.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.01/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Horn Lake, MS can expect to earn approximately $41,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,011. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Horn Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Horn Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $800.37 | $3,468 | $41,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $480.22 | $2,081 | $24,971 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $320.15 | $1,387 | $16,648 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Horn Lake) | $20.01 |
| 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 Horn Lake, MS earn a median of $41,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.04% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.00% below the Mississippi state average of $42,475.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.01/hr = $24,971/year (purchasing power: $29,138).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,619/year (purchasing power: $48,564).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Horn Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Horn Lake grew 19.9% from $16.18/hr (2019) to $19.40/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.64/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 Horn Lake 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 Horn Lake
When balancing work-life flexibility with income, a part-time dental assistant in Horn Lake working 24 hours a week might earn around $24,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem opportunities can enhance earning potential, with rates for dental assistants fluctuating from $22 to as high as $45 an hour depending on the specialty and staffing agency. General dental practices and specialized offices often offer different rates; for instance, those in oral surgery may command higher hourly wages reflecting the required skill set. Many dental assistants must weigh the option of lower hourly rates with health benefits against the potential for higher earnings in roles without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies specific to the Horn Lake area, such as emphasizing certifications from DANB or understanding industry shifts due to DSO consolidation, can empower dental assistants to secure better compensation as they navigate their careers.
More salary data for Horn Lake, 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 Horn Lake. 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 Horn Lake 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