Columbus vs Hattiesburg: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Columbus, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,961▲ | $68,589 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.89▲ | $32.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,210▲ | $64,108 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,092▲ | $65,420 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,683▲ | $71,559 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,189▲ | $80,416 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, MS offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Columbus and Hattiesburg is $14,372 (20.95%). Columbus's median is -19.41% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $32,979,Hattiesburg spans $16,308. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($96,804 effective) pays 23.68% 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 Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,961/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,189)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,804)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Columbus grew 47.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$53,598 (2020) → $79,056 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$54,420 (2020) → $65,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Columbus or Hattiesburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Hattiesburg?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Hattiesburg as a dental hygienist?
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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
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