Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Meridian, MS: $19.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Meridian, MS runs $19.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,280 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,173 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, dental assistants can expect to earn an hourly median pay of $19.37, which reflects a significant gap when compared to the national hourly median of $23.84. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for those working part-time, such as three days a week, as they will find themselves earning a stable income while potentially balancing other commitments or studies. For per-diem dental assistants, who typically work on an as-needed basis in various settings like general dental practices, pediatric offices, or oral surgery suites, the hourly range can span from $15.54 for entry-level positions to $23.93 for the top 10% of earners in Meridian. It's essential to recognize that these hourly figures are estimates derived from projected annual salary data, providing a clear picture of what to expect in this evolving field.
About the Meridian 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) | $15.54 | $124.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.10 | $144.81 |
| Median (P50) | $19.37 | $154.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.94 | $183.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.93 | $191.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $19.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.37/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, MS can expect to earn approximately $40,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,244. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $774.79 | $3,357 | $40,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $464.87 | $2,014 | $24,173 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $309.92 | $1,343 | $16,116 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Meridian) | $19.37 |
| 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 Meridian, MS earn a median of $40,280 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $42,490.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.37/hr = $24,173/year (purchasing power: $28,207).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,289/year (purchasing power: $47,012).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Meridian grew 19.9% from $15.66/hr (2019) to $18.78/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.98/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Considering the earning potential for those seeking part-time work, a dental assistant who works 24 hours a week could take home around $26,000 annually. In contrast, full-time dental assistants would significantly increase their earnings through consistent weekly hours. For per-diem and agency roles, hourly pay typically ranges from $22 to $35, which may attract those looking for flexible work options. Specialty per-diem roles, particularly in orthodontics and oral surgeries, can command higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. Moreover, how earnings fluctuate across different types of employers—ranging from small practices to larger dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen—affects overall compensation structures. Some dental assistants may consider lower hourly pay acceptable in exchange for valuable benefits such as health insurance, while others prioritize higher hourly rates, even without benefits. For those negotiating hours or rates, establishing an understanding of the local job market and compensation frameworks can enhance their value as candidates in Meridian's dental sector.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Meridian in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Meridian?
Are dental assistants in Meridian paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Meridian?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Meridian?
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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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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