Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Meridian, MS: $40.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Meridian, MS runs $40.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,637 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,186 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $40.21 in 2026, notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This hourly rate suggests that part-time dental hygienists working three days a week can earn approximately $632 weekly, equating to about $32,944 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time positions. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Meridian stretches from $31.90 at the entry level to $49.29 for the top earners. Given that most dental hygienists work in settings such as general dentistry operatories, specialty suites, and public health clinics, the flexibility of per-diem work can be appealing, especially since those positions are typically offered at varying rates and can allow for diverse work settings across the city.
About the Meridian 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) | $31.90 | $255.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.70 | $277.63 |
| Median (P50) | $40.21 | $321.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.55 | $348.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.29 | $394.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $40.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.21/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, MS can expect to earn approximately $83,643 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,256. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,608.52 | $6,970 | $83,643 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $965.11 | $4,182 | $50,186 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $643.41 | $2,788 | $33,457 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Meridian) | $40.21 |
| 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 Meridian, MS earn a median of $83,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $88,225.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.21/hr = $50,186/year (purchasing power: $58,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,643/year (purchasing power: $97,600).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$25.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.21/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+62.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Meridian (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Meridian grew 47.5% from $25.98/hr (2020) to $38.32/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.20/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
For dental hygienists seeking to maximize their potential earnings, the financial landscape is influenced by the type of employer. Part-time hygienists in Meridian may find that working only three days a week limits their overall earning potential compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem dental hygienists often face fluctuating pay rates, which can range from $40 to $60 when contracted through temp agencies, although rates vary significantly across locations and roles. In Meridian, solo dental practices may offer lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, whereas larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may provide higher pay accompanied by perks such as health insurance. Negotiating hourly rates can prove advantageous; dental hygienists should be prepared to discuss workload expectations, benefits, and the overall working environment when considering job offers. This attention to detail not only ensures a better fit but can also lead to improved compensation in a competitive market.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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