Average Dental Assistants Salary in Hattiesburg, MS
In Hattiesburg, MS, the average annual salary for Dental Assistants is approximately $37,440. This figure falls below the national average of $48,760, a common trend in areas with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and demand within the Hattiesburg region directly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,310.
- Outlook: Hattiesburg, MS, supports a local workforce of 230 Dental Assistants, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 3.649. The Location Quotient of 1.5 indicates a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for dental professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Hattiesburg, MS earns-23.2%below the national average.
$18
$720
$3,120
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Hattiesburg have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dental services, and evolving skill requirements likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Hattiesburg, MS
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Hattiesburg typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the typical percentile gaps seen in career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $25,130 | $12.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,080 | $13.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,410 | $17.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,800 | $22.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $48,310 | $23.2 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,440 in Hattiesburg, MS, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's earnings in Hattiesburg is comparable to that of their counterparts in a national average cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
3.649
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Hattiesburg, MS has 1.5x the national concentration of Dental Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.5, Hattiesburg, MS, exhibits a 50% higher concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average. This suggests a robust local market where these professionals are in relatively higher demand or where the industry has a more significant presence compared to other sectors, potentially leading to more job opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Dental Assistants Salary | $41,480↑ 11% | 63 mi |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Dental Assistants Salary | $42,630↑ 14% | 76 mi |
| Mobile, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $37,490↑ 0% | 83 mi |
| Jackson, MS Dental Assistants Salary | $44,560↑ 19% | 87 mi |
| Hammond, LA Dental Assistants Salary | $45,320↑ 21% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hattiesburg, MS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Hattiesburg, MS?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Hattiesburg, MS is $37,440. This typically ranges from $25,130 for entry-level positions to $48,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hattiesburg, MS is 23.2% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the average salary of $37,440 is below the national average, the cost of living in Hattiesburg is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable. The strong local concentration suggests good job availability, however.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Hattiesburg, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hattiesburg, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gulfport-Biloxi, MS ($41,480) and Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA.
How does Hattiesburg's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Hattiesburg, MS, is $37,440, which is lower than the national average of $48,760.
What is the Cost of Living in Hattiesburg, MS for Dental Assistants?
Hattiesburg, MS, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is on par with the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Dental Assistants in Hattiesburg, MS?
The Location Quotient of 1.5 suggests a higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants in Hattiesburg, indicating a strong local presence and potentially robust demand for these professionals.
How many Dental Assistants work in Hattiesburg, MS?
There are approximately 230 Dental Assistants employed in Hattiesburg, MS, representing 3.649 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Hattiesburg, MS area with a job density of 3.649 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hattiesburg, MS