Dental Assistant Salary in Laurel, MS: $39,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Laurel, MS earns a median $39,296/year (≈ $18.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $45,853 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant salary in Laurel, Mississippi, stands at a median of $39,296, reflecting the region's economic conditions and specific employment demands. Those in this field can expect earnings within a range from $33,037 at the lower end to $47,536 for the top earners. These figures represent local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors. For dental assistants specializing in areas such as oral surgery or orthodontics, pursuing these specialized roles can significantly enhance their earning potential within the broader job market in Laurel.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,037 | $15.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,625 | $18.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,296 | $18.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,142 | $22.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,536 | $22.86 |
Median Salary Position
20.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MS, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,499 (2026 est.). At $39,296, the local median is 20.74% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Laurel median: $39,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,483 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -20.74% less |
Dental Assistants in Laurel, MS earn a median of $39,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $42,483.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $39,296 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,853 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,767
2025 BLS Actual
$38,100
2026 Current Est.
$39,296
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,767 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,639 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,642 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,524 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,887 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,530 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $31,767 (2019) to $38,100 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,530 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,763 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,037 – $37,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,625 – $39,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,296 – $46,142 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,142 – $47,536 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Laurel
Currently, there are 6 dental assistants employed in the Laurel area, indicating a small but stable job market. With a cost of living index of 85.7, the purchasing power of dental assistants in Laurel is comparatively higher than in many other regions, which means that salaries stretch further in terms of meeting everyday expenses. Employers in the area, including general dental practices, orthodontic offices, and DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, typically offer varying wage scales. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the type of specialty, with oral surgery and orthodontics generally offering higher salaries than pediatric or general practices. Additionally, pursuing credentials such as the EFDA can provide an edge, often resulting in a salary boost of 25-40% where applicable. Dental assistants looking to maximize their pay in Laurel should consider additional training, seeking roles in higher-paying specialties or larger practices, and potentially exploring positions that offer progression to treatment coordinator roles, which frequently come with increased compensation packages.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $38,100 for dental assistantsin the Laurel metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laurel 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