What the numbers say
The median Dental Hygienist in Mississippi earned $66,290 in 2024, about 30% below the national median of $94,162. That is one of the larger state-level gaps we see for this occupation across the country.
The spread from bottom to top earners is relatively narrow. The 10th percentile landed at $48,290 and the 90th at $79,320, a range of roughly $31,000. For comparison, the national spread for this role runs considerably wider. In Mississippi, wages cluster closer to the middle, which suggests less variation by experience or practice setting than you find in higher-paying states.
Cost of living shifts the picture somewhat. Mississippi's overall price index sits at 87.6, meaning goods and services cost about 12% less here than the national baseline. Adjusting for that, the $66,290 median translates to roughly $75,700 in national-baseline purchasing terms. That still trails the US median, but the real gap is closer to 20% than the nominal 30% suggests.
On growth, BLS projects employment for Dental Hygienists to expand 7% nationally between 2024 and 2034, which puts it in the faster-than-average category. The state projection uses the same national-level outlook; Mississippi-specific figures are not published separately at this occupational detail.
Salary distribution
Where Mississippi dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $62,390 and $74,170, with a median of $66,290.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Mississippi
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Mississippi over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record and review patient medical histories.
- 02
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- 03
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- 04
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- 05
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- 06
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- 07
Expose and develop x-ray film.
- 08
Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Mississippi?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Mississippi is $66,290.
- How does Mississippi compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Mississippi median is -29.6% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Mississippi?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $48,290 and the 90th-percentile at $79,320, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Dental Hygienists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Dental Hygienists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.