Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Olive Branch, MS: $40.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Olive Branch, MS runs $40.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,473 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Olive Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,081 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Olive Branch, Mississippi, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $40.13 in 2026, which falls short of the national hourly median of $49.49. This rate opens opportunities for both full-time and part-time professionals in various settings, such as general dental offices, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly pay can provide a stable income, while per-diem dental hygienists operating on a flexible schedule can earn between $31.75 and $49.14, depending on experience and setting. The salary range allows entry-level dental hygienists to start at around $31.75, while those with more expertise in specialty practices can push toward the higher end at $49.14.
About the Olive Branch 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) | $31.75 | $254.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.54 | $276.29 |
| Median (P50) | $40.13 | $321.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.21 | $353.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.14 | $393.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olive Branch
Based on $40.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.13/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olive Branch, MS can expect to earn approximately $83,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,155. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olive Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olive Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,605.16 | $6,956 | $83,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $963.10 | $4,173 | $50,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $642.06 | $2,782 | $33,387 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Olive Branch) | $40.13 |
| 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 Olive Branch, MS earn a median of $83,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.40% below the Mississippi state average of $88,238.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.13/hr = $50,081/year (purchasing power: $58,438).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,468/year (purchasing power: $97,396).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$25.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.13/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+62.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Olive Branch (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Olive Branch grew 47.5% from $25.93/hr (2020) to $38.24/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.11/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 Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch
When analyzing the earning potential for a dental hygienist in Olive Branch, part-time work can yield a significant annual income, even with a reduced schedule. For example, if a dental hygienist works 24 hours a week, their annual earnings could be around $49,848, which offers a viable income for those balancing other commitments. Conversely, per-diem opportunities present variability, as temp agencies may pay between $40 and $60 hourly in more populous areas, with rare travel contracts potentially pushing rates higher, though less predictable. Employment type notably affects hourly rates; multi-doctor group practices and DSOs tend to offer competitive pay, sometimes supplemented by benefits. This trade-off often sees hygienists opting for lower rates in exchange for health insurance and stability, a consideration for many in the profession. Negotiation for better terms can be crucial, particularly in Olive Branch, where understanding local market dynamics and demonstrating valuable skills can lead to a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Olive Branch, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Olive Branch in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Olive Branch?
Are dental hygienists in Olive Branch paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Olive Branch?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Olive Branch?
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 Olive Branch. 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 Olive Branch 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