Healthcare Jackson, MS Pop. 153,701

Dental Assistant Salary in Jackson, Mississippi

The median dental assistant salary in Jackson, MS is $35,283 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 2.5% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$35,283
vs State Avg
+$850
vs National
$-7,227
Cost of Living
85%

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

Jackson offers a median dental assistant salary of $35,283, which is $850 above the Mississippi state average of $34,433. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $35,283 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $41,509 in an average-cost city. This makes Jackson an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Jackson spans from $24,900 at the 10th percentile to $49,800 at the 90th percentile — a $24,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,730, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,140. With a population of 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $25,730, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,140 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,730
$-5,270 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,690
$-7,310 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,140
$-9,860 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jackson, MS

Percentile Jackson
10th Percentile $24,900
25th Percentile $29,050
Median (50th) $35,283
75th Percentile $43,160
90th Percentile $49,800

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Jackson

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Jackson 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 Jackson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Jackson

Browse open dental assistant positions in Jackson, MS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Jackson

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Jackson, MS? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Jackson, Mississippi is $35,283 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $24,900 (10th percentile) to $49,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Jackson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,283, a dental assistant in Jackson earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Jackson's median dental assistant salary of $35,283 is 2.5% above the Mississippi state average of $34,433. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼
Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $35,283 in Jackson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Jackson? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Jackson 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.