Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Oxford, MS: $40.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Oxford, MS runs $40.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,171 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Oxford's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,500 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oxford, Mississippi, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median of $40.46. This rate is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49, highlighting regional pay disparities. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly rate translates into significant earning potential. Many dental hygienists practice in various settings, including general dentistry, pediatric offices, and public health clinics, allowing for flexibility in employment but with hourly earnings that range from $32.52 for entry-level positions to $50.10 for the highest earners in the field. These projections for 2026 reflect a growing demand for dental hygienists as more practices and clinics seek to accommodate patient needs.
About the Oxford 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) | $32.52 | $260.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.23 | $281.83 |
| Median (P50) | $40.46 | $323.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.01 | $360.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.10 | $400.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oxford
Based on $40.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.46/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oxford, MS can expect to earn approximately $84,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,558. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oxford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oxford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,618.59 | $7,014 | $84,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $971.16 | $4,208 | $50,500 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $647.44 | $2,806 | $33,667 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Oxford) | $40.46 |
| 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 Oxford, MS earn a median of $84,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.24% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $88,230.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.46/hr = $50,500/year (purchasing power: $58,927).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,167/year (purchasing power: $98,211).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$26.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.46/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+62.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Oxford (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Oxford grew 47.5% from $26.14/hr (2020) to $38.56/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.46/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 Oxford 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 Oxford
For dental hygienists considering part-time roles in Oxford, working as a per diem dental hygienist could be lucrative, particularly since this employment model often offers rates that can vary widely. Although the average part-time hygienist working 24 hours a week might earn approximately $63,434 annually, full-time workers may secure much higher incomes. Per diem or contracted dental hygienists can earn between $40 and $60 per hour in many metropolitan areas, yet Oxford's market may yield slightly lower rates. Additionally, pay can differ significantly depending on the type of practice—solo dental offices might offer less than larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland or Aspen, which often have set salary structures and benefits. When negotiating pay, dental hygienists should consider not only their hourly wages but also the presence of health benefits and job security, often a trade-off in this profession. Practical negotiation tips include researching local salary averages and being prepared to discuss the full compensation package rather than just hourly rates.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Oxford in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Oxford?
Are dental hygienists in Oxford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Oxford?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Oxford?
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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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