Dental Assistant Pay

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Olive Branch, MS: $19.33 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Olive Branch, MS runs $19.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,201 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Olive Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,122 per year.

$40,201
Median Annual Salary
$19.33/hr
Hourly Rate
$32,190
Entry Level (P10)
$49,622
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Assistant Hourly Rate in Olive Branch, MS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Olive Branch, MS dental assistant hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Olive Branch, Mississippi, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $19.33 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This wage reflects the unique economic conditions of the region and may present a different picture for part-time and per-diem dental assistants working in diverse settings, such as pediatric dental practices or general dentistry operatory. The hourly range varies from $15.47 for entry-level roles to $23.86 for those in top-earning positions. Given that many dental assistants often work part-time (around three days a week), the hourly pay can greatly influence their overall earning potential within the Olive Branch area.

About the Olive Branch Market

Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$15.47$123.77
Lower Range (P25)$18.02$144.15
Median (P50)$19.33$154.63
Upper Range (P75)$23.25$185.98
Top Earners (P90)$23.86$190.85

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olive Branch

Based on $19.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental assistant in Olive Branch earning $19.33/hr would make approximately $23,194 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $40,203 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$23,194Reduced (32 hr/wk)$30,925Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$40,203

At $19.33/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olive Branch, MS can expect to earn approximately $40,203 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,194. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olive Branch.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$154.63
per 8hr shift
$773.14
per week
$3,350
per month
$40,203
per year

Schedule Comparison in Olive Branch

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$773.14$3,350$40,203
Part-Time (24 hrs)$463.88$2,010$24,122
Per Diem (16 hrs)$309.25$1,340$16,081

Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Assistant (Olive Branch)$19.33
Dental Hygienist (National Avg)$42.45
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Pharmacy Technician (National Avg)$19.27
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental assistant median salary in Olive Branch ($40,201) with Mississippi average ($42,496) and the US national median ($49,579).Olive Branch$40,201Mississippi Avg$42,496-5.40%US National$49,579-18.92%

Dental Assistants in Olive Branch, MS earn a median of $40,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.40% below the Mississippi state average of $42,496.

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $19.33/hr = $24,122/year (purchasing power: $28,147).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,203/year (purchasing power: $46,911).

CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$15.63/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$18.74/hr

2026 Current Est.

$19.33/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+27.6%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Olive Branch (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental assistants in Olive Branch. Baseline $15.63/hr in 2025, projected to $19.94/hr by 2027.$12$14$17$19$212019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$15.63$16.05$15.07$17.47$18.14$13.25$18.74$19.33$19.94
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$15.63/hrActual
2020$16.05/hrActual
2021$15.07/hrActual
2022$17.47/hrActual
2023$18.14/hrActual
2024$13.25/hrActual
2025$18.74/hrActual
2026(current)$19.33/hrEstimated
2027$19.94/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Olive Branch grew 19.9% from $15.63/hr (2019) to $18.74/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.94/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olive Branch metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Olive Branch

When considering the earning potential for dental assistants in Olive Branch, part-time professionals working 24 hours a week could expect a take-home income considerably less than their full-time counterparts. This pay scale highlights the significant differences between working part-time and the more lucrative opportunities that full-time positions afford. Per diem dental assistant pay in Olive Branch typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding even higher rates of $28 to $45. The type of employer also plays a crucial role in determining hourly compensation; dental assistants in established general practices or specialty offices may see substantial variances in hourly rates. Many dental assistants sometimes opt for lower hourly rates that offer benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without benefits in a gig-based environment. For those negotiating hourly wages, it may be advantageous to reference typical pay rates within the community or even explore opportunities through temp agencies, which often connect professionals with short-term assignments and competitive pay in Olive Branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Olive Branch in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental assistants in Olive Branch is $19.33/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.14% annual growth). Rates range from $15.47 at entry level (10th percentile) to $23.86 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 18.9% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental assistants make in Olive Branch?

A part-time dental assistant working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Olive Branch earns approximately $2,010/month, or $24,122/year at the median hourly rate of $19.33. Many dental assistants prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental assistants in Olive Branch paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental assistants in Olive Branch are paid hourly at a median rate of $19.33/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $40,203/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Olive Branch?

A full-time dental assistant working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Olive Branch earns approximately $40,203/year at the median hourly rate of $19.33. This is 18.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $49,621/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Olive Branch?

Part-time and per diem dental assistants in Olive Branch sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $23.86/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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 Olive Branch. 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 Olive Branch is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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