Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $19.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Ridgeland, MS runs $19.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,795 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,482 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ridgeland, Mississippi, the projected dental assistant hourly pay stands at $19.62 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides insight into the financial landscape for those working in diverse settings such as general dentistry operatory rooms, pediatric exam areas, or orthodontic clinic chairs. The hourly wage ranges from $16.05 for entry-level positions to $23.26 for top earners, allowing flexibility for part-time employees who may work three days a week or per-diem staff who take on various assignments across practices. The estimates reflect trends derived from annual salary data, providing a comprehensive view of what dental assistants in Ridgeland can expect in terms of compensation.
About the Ridgeland 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) | $16.05 | $128.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.25 | $153.97 |
| Median (P50) | $19.62 | $156.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.73 | $181.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.26 | $186.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $19.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.62/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $40,804 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,541. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $784.69 | $3,400 | $40,804 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $470.81 | $2,040 | $24,482 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $313.88 | $1,360 | $16,322 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Ridgeland) | $19.62 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $40,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $42,495.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.62/hr = $24,482/year (purchasing power: $28,567).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,804/year (purchasing power: $47,612).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Ridgeland grew 19.9% from $15.86/hr (2019) to $19.02/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.23/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
For those considering a part-time role as a dental assistant, working three days a week (around 24 hours) translates to an annual income of approximately $24,404. In contrast, full-time employees earn significantly higher, emphasizing the benefits of full-time roles in the sector. Per diem dental assistants often enjoy the potential for higher earnings, frequently charging between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty positions such as orthodontic or oral surgery assistants commanding rates of $28 to $45 per hour. Hourly pay can also vary widely depending on the type of dental practice, including general practices, pediatric offices, or dental schools, where some may opt for lower wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiating wages in Ridgeland can hinge on demonstrating experience, certifications, and familiarity with the expanded function authority recognized by the DANB and ADAA, which can help elevate an assistant's pay scale and enhance job security within the evolving DSO framework.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Ridgeland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Ridgeland?
Are dental assistants in Ridgeland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Ridgeland?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ridgeland?
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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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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