Hattiesburg vs Meridian: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,589 | $83,637▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.97 | $40.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,108 | $66,361▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,420 | $72,176▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,559 | $90,595▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,416 | $102,522▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Meridian, MS offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Meridian is $15,048 (21.94%). Meridian's median is -18.76% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $16,308,Meridian spans $36,161. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Meridian ($97,593 effective) pays 24.69% 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 Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,637/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,522)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,593)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Hattiesburg grew 20.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 47.5% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$54,420 (2020) → $65,360 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$54,035 (2020) → $79,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Hattiesburg or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Meridian 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