Dental Assistant Salary in Oxford, MS: $40,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Oxford, MS earns a median $40,537/year (≈ $19.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Oxford's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $47,301 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Oxford, Mississippi, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $40,537, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,579, representing an 18.24% difference. Specifically, the salary range for dental assistants in the area spans from $32,961 at the 10th percentile to $50,578 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional prices, highlight the employment context within Oxford's dental market, where the pay scale may differ based on whether assistants are working in a solo practice or under the more standardized salary structures of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen. Such variances are crucial for those navigating their career options in this growing field.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,961 | $15.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,193 | $18.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,537 | $19.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,180 | $23.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,578 | $24.32 |
Median Salary Position
18.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxford
In Oxford, MS, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,617 (2026 est.). At $40,537, the local median is 18.24% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oxford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oxford Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Oxford median: $40,537/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oxford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,492 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -18.24% less |
Dental Assistants in Oxford, MS earn a median of $40,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.24% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $42,492.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oxford 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.
Oxford, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $40,537 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,301 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,770
2025 BLS Actual
$39,303
2026 Current Est.
$40,537
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,609 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,646 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,052 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,799 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,303 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,810 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oxford metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $32,770 (2019) to $39,303 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,810 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,040 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford 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) | $32,961 – $38,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,193 – $40,537 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,537 – $49,180 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,180 – $50,578 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Oxford
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are only five dental assistants currently employed in Oxford, MS, indicating a relatively small workforce. The cost of living index in this area stands at 85.7, suggesting that while salaries may be lower compared to national averages, the cost-effectiveness of life in Oxford enhances take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, general dental practices or pediatric specialty offices generally align with the lower end of the pay spectrum, while orthodontic and oral surgery practices tend to offer more competitive salaries. The disparity in pay can be driven by various factors such as specialties, credentialing like EFDA, and added responsibilities within DSO chains. For those aiming to optimize their dental assistant pay in Oxford, pursuing expanded functions or seeking roles with treatment coordinator responsibilities can significantly enhance earnings potential, reflecting a proactive approach in a niche market.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Oxford, MS in 2026?
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Oxford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Oxford?
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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 $39,303 for dental assistantsin the Oxford 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 Oxford 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