Healthcare Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Dental Assistant Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median dental assistant salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $33,158 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 3.7% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$33,158
vs State Avg
$-1,275
vs National
$-9,352
Cost of Living
80%

Dental Assistant Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median dental assistant salary of $33,158, which is $1,275 below the Mississippi state average of $34,433. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $33,158 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $41,448 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Hattiesburg spans from $23,400 at the 10th percentile to $46,800 at the 90th percentile — a $23,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,180, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,240. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $24,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,180
$-6,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,540
$-9,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,240
$-12,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $23,400
25th Percentile $27,300
Median (50th) $33,158
75th Percentile $40,560
90th Percentile $46,800

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$35,283
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$34,858
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$34,433
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$34,008
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Hattiesburg

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Hattiesburg and the surrounding Mississippi area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hattiesburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open dental assistant positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $33,158 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $23,400 (10th percentile) to $46,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,158, a dental assistant in Hattiesburg earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median dental assistant salary of $33,158 is 3.7% below the Mississippi state average of $34,433. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $33,158 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Hattiesburg require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.