Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $40.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Ridgeland, MS runs $40.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,707 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,828 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ridgeland, Mississippi, dental hygienists receive a median hourly pay of $40.73, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This difference impacts various employment structures, particularly for part-time and per-diem positions typically found in settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. For instance, a dental hygienist working three days a week can have flexible job arrangements while still earning between $32.93 at entry-level and $47.92 at the upper end of the pay spectrum. The established hourly rates in Ridgeland are drawn from the projected annual salary data, providing a helpful guideline for both current practitioners and students considering their career paths in this field.
About the Ridgeland 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) | $32.93 | $263.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.00 | $296.01 |
| Median (P50) | $40.73 | $325.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.14 | $345.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.92 | $383.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $40.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.73/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $84,713 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,873. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,629.09 | $7,059 | $84,713 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $977.45 | $4,236 | $50,828 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.64 | $2,824 | $33,885 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Ridgeland) | $40.73 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $84,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $88,236.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.73/hr = $50,828/year (purchasing power: $59,309).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,713/year (purchasing power: $98,848).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$26.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.73/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+62.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Ridgeland (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ridgeland grew 47.5% from $26.31/hr (2020) to $38.81/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.74/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
Part-time dental hygienists in Ridgeland can expect to earn around $52,000 annually by working a 24-hour week, though full-time positions typically yield higher income opportunities. For those interested in per diem dental hygienist pay in Ridgeland, opportunities may vary widely based on location and the type of dental practice. While many local hygienists could work through staffing agencies that pay between $40-$60 per hour, it’s worth noting that the highest cost-of-living cities can command rates from $60-$85 per hour. In Ridgeland, the difference in hourly wages may reflect the type of practice—whether in solo practitioners, multi-doctor group settings, or larger Dental Service Organizations. Some hygienists may opt for positions with lower hourly rates but offer benefits like health insurance, presenting a strategic choice for those who prioritize stability over short-term gains. Understanding these dynamics can assist dental hygienists in negotiating their rates effectively within the local market.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ridgeland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Ridgeland?
Are dental hygienists in Ridgeland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Ridgeland?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Ridgeland?
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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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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