Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Starkville, MS: $19.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Starkville, MS runs $19.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,319 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Starkville's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,791 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Starkville, Mississippi, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $19.86, which is lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This discrepancy highlights the specific local market dynamics and the cost of living in the area, which is significantly below the national average. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in Starkville spans from $15.14 for entry-level positions to $24.29 for the top earners. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this rate can translate to an hourly wage that provides flexibility while still earning a reasonable income. Per-diem dental assistants may also find this rate appealing for short-term placements in environments like general dentistry operatory settings or specialized clinics, thus enhancing their earning potential in sectors like orthodontics or oral surgery.
About the Starkville 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) | $15.14 | $121.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.17 | $153.39 |
| Median (P50) | $19.86 | $158.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.37 | $186.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.29 | $194.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Starkville
Based on $19.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.86/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Starkville, MS can expect to earn approximately $41,319 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,838. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Starkville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Starkville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $794.59 | $3,443 | $41,319 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $476.75 | $2,066 | $24,791 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $317.84 | $1,377 | $16,527 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Starkville) | $19.86 |
| 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 Starkville, MS earn a median of $41,319 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $42,509.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.86/hr = $24,791/year (purchasing power: $28,928).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,319/year (purchasing power: $48,213).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Starkville grew 19.9% from $16.06/hr (2019) to $19.26/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.49/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 Starkville 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 Starkville
When considering the practicalities of part-time earnings, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week would net a different annual income compared to someone working full-time in Starkville. Many per-diem assistants charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially reaching $28 to $45 per hour. Employers vary widely, and so does compensation; for example, dental practices affiliated with larger chains like Heartland, Aspen, or Pacific Dental might adhere to standardized pay structures, which can limit negotiation flexibility. However, there are trade-offs between higher hourly wages and securing health benefits. Dental assistants should consider their employment type and negotiate effectively—researching local pay scales and understanding employer benefits will empower them in discussions about their hourly rate and employment conditions.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Starkville in 2026?
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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 Starkville. 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 Starkville 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