Dental Hygienist Salary in Southaven, MS: $86,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Southaven, MS earns a median $86,787/year (≈ $41.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Southaven's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $101,268 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Southaven, Mississippi, the anticipated median annual income for dental hygienists stands at $86,787 for the year 2026, reflecting a notable gap when compared to the national average of $102,946. With salaries ranging from $69,150 at the lower end to $107,217 for the highest earners, these figures are derived from state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost of living dynamics. Given that Southaven's cost of living index is registered at 85.7, below the national average, the compensation for dental hygienists appears to be reasonably aligned with local economic conditions. The relatively stable salary projections in the dental hygiene sector highlight a steady demand for professionals in this field, ensuring opportunities for growth and employment within the community.
About the Southaven Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($71,723) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,150 | $33.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,462 | $36.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,787 | $41.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,775 | $45.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,217 | $51.55 |
Median Salary Position
15.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Southaven
In Southaven, MS, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,067 (2026 est.). At $86,787, the local median is 15.7% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Southaven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Southaven Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Southaven median: $86,787/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Southaven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $88,199 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -15.70% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Southaven has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Southaven, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A dental hygienist earning $86,787 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,268 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2020 BLS Actual
$56,070
2025 BLS Actual
$82,702
2026 Current Est.
$86,787
2020–2027 Growth
+62.4%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Southaven (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $56,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,822 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,702 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,075 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Southaven metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 47.5% from $56,070 (2020) to $82,702 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,075 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,005 (62.43%) from 2020.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,150 – $75,462 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,462 – $86,787 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,787 – $93,775 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,775 – $107,217 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Southaven
Currently, there are 14 dental hygienists employed in Southaven, indicating a small yet potentially tight job market. The cost-of-living factor plays a significant role in determining take-home pay, particularly in a region where the index is lower than the national average. Employers such as Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often offer more competitive pay and full benefits, which can widen the income gap observed among practitioners in solo or small group practices. Moreover, production-based bonuses, often linked to patient recall and retention rates, can significantly influence earnings. For those seeking to maximize their compensation in Southaven, focusing on positions with DSOs, negotiating for sign-on bonuses, and opting for schedules that align with peak case loads can lead to better financial outcomes. Understanding these nuances of dental hygienist pay in Southaven, MS is essential for current and future dental hygiene professionals navigating their career paths.
More salary data for Southaven, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $82,702 for dental hygienistsin the Southaven metropolitan area. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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