The Complete Career Guide for Dental Hygienists in Hattiesburg, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

As a local who’s watched this city’s healthcare scene for years, I can tell you Hattiesburg offers a solid, if not spectacular, earning potential for dental hygienists. The key here is the cost of living. Let’s cut right to the data.

The median salary for a Dental Hygienist in the Hattiesburg metro area is $84,720 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.73. For context, the national average sits at $87,530/year. We’re slightly below the national mark, but that gap is largely closed when you factor in our low living costs.

To understand your earning trajectory, here’s a realistic breakdown of experience levels and pay:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	What It Means in Hattiesburg
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$70,000 - $75,000	You’re likely starting in a general practice, getting your feet wet. This is a competitive start for the region.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$80,000 - $89,000	This is where the median $84,720 lands. You have a steady patient load, speed, and efficiency.
Senior/Expert (8+ yrs)	$92,000 - $105,000+	Specialists in periodontics, pediatric offices, or those with management roles. Top earners often work in private, high-end practices or have niche certifications.

How does this compare to other Mississippi cities?
Hattiesburg is a mid-tier market in the state. It outperforms smaller rural areas (like Laurel or Columbia) but trails the Jackson metro, where salaries can be 5-10% higher due to a larger concentration of specialists and corporate dental groups. Biloxi/Gulfport is comparable, though seasonal tourism can affect practice stability.

Insider Tip: While the median is $84,720, don’t just take the first offer. Private practices in the affluent neighborhoods of Oak Grove or West Hattiesburg often pay above median, especially for hygienists with clear communication skills and a strong local reputation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: salary is just a number. What matters is what’s left after the bills are paid. Hattiesburg is one of the most affordable cities in the US, which is a huge advantage for our profession.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a hygienist earning the median salary of $84,720. (Note: Taxes are estimated; take-home will vary based on deductions.)

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes for Hattiesburg
Gross Monthly Income	$7,060
Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$1,650	~23% effective rate
Take-Home Pay	$5,410
Rent (1BR Average)	$906	This is the city-wide average. You can find one for $750 or splurge at $1,100.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Hot summers mean higher AC bills.
Car Payment/Insurance/ Gas	$550	A must in Hattiesburg; public transport is limited.
Groceries & Household	$450
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300
Debt/Savings/Discretionary	$3,004

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely.
With a take-home of over $5,400 and a median 1BR rent under $1,000, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in the Hattiesburg metro is around $215,000. A 20% down payment is $43,000. With a $906/month rent, you could theoretically save that in 3-4 years with disciplined budgeting. A 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5% on a $215,000 home would be roughly $1,360/month (PITI), which is roughly 25% of your gross income—a comfortable target.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially larger dental groups, offer a 401(k) match. Prioritize this. With the low cost of living, you can max out retirement contributions and still have a high quality of life.

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

The 97 Dental Hygienist jobs in the metro area (a figure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics) might seem small, but turnover is low. It’s a stable market. You’re not just looking for a job; you’re looking for the right practice culture.

Here are the major local employers and hiring trends:

1. Forrest General Hospital / Hattiesburg Health System: While primarily medical, their oral surgery and maxillofacial departments employ hygienists for pre- and post-op care. Hiring is steady but slow; they value experience and hospital-grade protocols.

2. Hattiesburg Clinic: A massive multi-specialty private group. Their dental arm is a major employer. They offer stability, benefits, and a team environment. Hiring trends favor hygienists who are comfortable with a fast-paced, high-volume setting.

3. Local Private Practices (Examples: Hattiesburg Dental Care, Southern Dental Group): These are the backbone of the market. There are dozens of private offices, from single-dentist shops to multi-provider groups. Hiring is often based on personality fit and a referral from a current staff member. The best way in is to network at local dental association meetings.

4. USM William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine: Not a direct employer, but a hub. The university’s dental hygiene program (and the medical school) creates a pipeline of new grads and a network of professionals. Many graduates stay local, feeding the job market.

5. Corporate Chains (Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental): These have a presence in Hattiesburg. They offer structured training and benefits but can have higher patient turnover and production goals. They are often hiring and are a good entry point for new grads.

6. Public Health Clinics (Mississippi State Department of Health): These positions are competitive and highly mission-driven. They focus on community health, often serving underserved populations. Hiring is periodic and requires patience.

Hiring Trend: There’s a growing need for hygienists who are proficient with digital charting (like Dentrix or Eaglesoft) and who can communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, including the university student community and older retirees.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. All information is governed by the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.

Requirements:

• Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (e.g., the one at William Carey University in Hattiesburg).
• Exams: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional or state clinical exam (like the CRDTS, ADEX, or SRTA).
• Licensure Application: Submit an application to the MS Board, including transcripts, exam scores, and a background check.
• Anesthesia Permit: To administer local anesthesia (a key skill for efficiency and pay), you must complete an additional 24-hour course and apply for a permit.

Costs (Approximate):

• NBDHE Exam: $455
• Regional/Clinical Exam: $800 - $1,200
• MS License Application Fee: $150
• Anesthesia Permit Course & Fee: $400
• Total (excluding education): ~$1,800 - $2,200

Timeline: From graduation to holding a full license with anesthesia privileges typically takes 3-5 months. Start the application process 60 days before your expected graduation date.

Insider Tip: The Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners website is your best friend. Bookmark it. Processing times can vary, so apply early. Also, join the Mississippi Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA) for networking and advocacy—they often have updates on board rule changes.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Where you live impacts your commute and lifestyle. Hattiesburg is a driving city, but traffic is minimal.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It’s a Good Fit
Oak Grove	Family-oriented, top-rated public schools, quiet. 15-20 min to most offices.	$1,100 - $1,300	Ideal for hygienists with families or those planning to. Safe, suburban feel. Higher-end practices are nearby.
West Hattiesburg	Affluent, established. Mix of older homes and new builds. 10-15 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,400	Where the most lucrative private practices are located. Networking happens here.
Midtown / Historic District	Walkable, near USM, younger crowd. 5-10 min commute to downtown offices.	$800 - $1,000	Great for new grads or single professionals. Low rent means more disposable income.
Petal (Just south)	Separate city, small-town feel, excellent schools. 15-25 min commute.	$750 - $950	More affordable, family-centric. A hidden gem for hygienists who don’t mind the drive.
Downtown Hattiesburg	Urban, growing arts scene, older buildings. 5-12 min commute.	$900 - $1,100	For those who want city energy. Close to the hospital and some clinics.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Hattiesburg, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about deepening your expertise and building a reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: General practice pay is the baseline. Specializing can boost income by 10-20%.

  • Periodontics: You’ll work closely with a specialist on surgical cases. Can push earnings to $95,000+.
  • Pediatric Dentistry: Requires patience and a fun demeanor. Pay is often on par with general practice but can be higher in private pediatric-only offices.
  • Orthodontics: Often involves fewer scaling visits but more patient education and coordination. Pay is stable, around $85,000 - $90,000.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical Excellence: Become the go-to hygienist for complex cases (perio, special needs). This leads to higher base pay and bonuses.
  2. Education & Corporate: Some local hygienists become adjunct instructors at William Carey’s program or work for dental product companies (like Patterson or Henry Schein) as sales reps.
  3. Management: Move into office management or practice administration. This path often drops clinical duties but offers a salary range of $75,000 - $95,000 depending on practice size.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 10-year job growth of 9% (faster than average for many professions), the outlook is positive. An aging population and a greater focus on preventative care will sustain demand. The key is to stay current with technology (intraoral scanners, laser therapy) and continuing education.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far.	Limited Specialties: You’ll see more general practice jobs than high-end specialty openings.
Stable Job Market: 97 jobs with low turnover.	Small Metro (48,507 pop): Fewer networking and professional events than in a major city.
Strong Local Network: Easy to build a reputation.	Car-Dependent: You’ll need a reliable vehicle.
Balanced Lifestyle: Less stress, more community.	Lower National Salary: If you’re chasing the absolute top dollar, bigger cities pay more.
USM Presence: A source of new grads and cultural events.	Limited Public Transit: Commute is by car only.

Final Recommendation:
Hattiesburg is an excellent choice for dental hygienists who value a high quality of life, financial stability, and a tight-knit professional community. It’s particularly ideal for those with families, anyone looking to buy a home early in their career, or those who prefer a less frantic pace than a major metropolis. If you’re a new grad, the low cost of living is a huge buffer for paying off student loans. If you’re an experienced hygienist, you’ll find a market that rewards expertise and reliability.

FAQs

Q: What is the job market like for new graduates in Hattiesburg?
A: It’s welcoming. While experienced hygienists have their pick, new grads are in demand. Your best bet is to complete a clinical rotation locally (if possible), network through the Mississippi Dental Hygienists’ Association, and be open to starting at a corporate office or a busy private practice to get your feet wet.

Q: Do I need to bring my own patients?
A: No. That’s a myth. Employers provide the patient base. Your “book of business” is your reputation for quality care and good patient rapport, which will lead to repeat patients requesting you.

Q: How is the work-life balance?
A: Generally very good. Most offices operate Monday through Thursday, 8-5, or a 4-day week. Emergency calls are rare for hygienists. The pace is professional but not as cutthroat as in larger, corporate-heavy markets.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job here?
A: 1) Word of mouth is king. Tell everyone in the USM dental program you’re looking. 2) Check the Mississippi Dental Association job board. 3) Walk in (or call) to private practices—dress professionally and bring a resume. Many hires are made before a job is ever posted online.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for dental hygienists in Hattiesburg?
A: The biggest challenge is often the limited variety in advanced specialty practices. If you dream of working in a world-class, multi-million dollar periodontal or implant center, you’ll find fewer options than in a city like Atlanta or Dallas. However, for most hygienists, the stability and lifestyle trade-off are more than worth it.