Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Southaven, MS: $41.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Southaven, MS runs $41.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,787 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Southaven's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,072 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Southaven, MS, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $41.72, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This hourly rate allows for flexibility, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers. Those working three days a week can utilize their skills in various settings, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, or public health mobile clinics, with the potential to earn anywhere from $33.24 to $51.55 per hour depending on experience and employer type. The lower end of this range typically reflects entry-level positions, while seasoned professionals may realize their upper earning potential in more specialized environments or larger dental groups in Southaven.
About the Southaven Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($71,723) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.24 | $265.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.28 | $290.22 |
| Median (P50) | $41.72 | $333.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.08 | $360.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.55 | $412.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Southaven
Based on $41.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.72/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Southaven, MS can expect to earn approximately $86,786 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,069. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Southaven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Southaven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,668.97 | $7,232 | $86,786 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,001.38 | $4,339 | $52,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.59 | $2,893 | $34,714 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Southaven) | $41.72 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Southaven, MS earn a median of $86,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $88,199.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.72/hr = $52,072/year (purchasing power: $60,760).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,786/year (purchasing power: $101,267).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$26.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.72/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+62.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Southaven (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Southaven grew 47.5% from $26.96/hr (2020) to $39.76/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.79/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Southaven 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 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Southaven
When considering a part-time schedule, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $52,257 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart earning around $86,787. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Southaven can vary greatly; while local temp agencies typically offer rates between $40 to $60 per hour, with metropolitan areas in high-cost living states offering even greater compensation, the Southaven market primarily supports moderate rates for regular positions. Hourly pay can fluctuate based on the employer type as well; solo practices may offer different compensation structures compared to larger group practices or Dental Service Organizations. It is essential for dental hygienists to consider benefits when evaluating pay since many opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other perks. Negotiating effectively can make a significant difference in earnings — understanding the local market and being transparent about experience will give candidates an edge when pursuing positions in Southaven.
More salary data for Southaven, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Southaven in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Southaven?
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Southaven. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Southaven 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 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov