Hattiesburg vs Starkville: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,589 | $85,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.97 | $41.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,108 | $64,562▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,420 | $76,671▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,559 | $92,265▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,416 | $104,074▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Starkville, MS offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Starkville is $17,205 (25.08%). Starkville's median is -16.66% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $16,308,Starkville spans $39,512. Starkville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Starkville ($100,110 effective) pays 27.91% more than Hattiesburg ($78,268 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,074)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,110)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Hattiesburg grew 20.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 47.5% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$54,420 (2020) → $65,360 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$55,428 (2020) → $81,755 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Hattiesburg or Starkville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Starkville?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Starkville as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Hattiesburg vs Starkville?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov