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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olive Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.94/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olive Branch 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 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.
More salary data for Olive Branch, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Olive Branch in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Olive Branch?
Are dental assistants in Olive Branch paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Olive Branch?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Olive Branch?
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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 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).
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