Dental Hygienist in Jackson, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Jackson’s dental hygiene market is stable but modest. The median salary for a Dental Hygienist here is $85,087/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.91/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $87,530/year, but the lower cost of living more than makes up for it. With a cost of living index of 90.7 (US avg = 100), your paycheck stretches further in Jackson than in many other metro areas. There are 287 jobs in the metro, and the 10-year job growth is 9%, which is steady but not booming. This isn't a city with explosive growth, but it offers reliable opportunities for skilled professionals.

To give you a clearer picture of the earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimated ranges based on local job postings and industry conversations.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$70,000 - $80,000	Starting in a general practice, likely in a suburban or outpatient clinic.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$80,000 - $90,000	Specialization (e.g., pediatric, periodontal) or lead hygienist role boosts pay.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$90,000 - $100,000	Management roles, corporate dental group positions, or teaching at a community college.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$100,000+	Clinic ownership, high-end cosmetic practices in affluent neighborhoods, or consulting.

When compared to other Mississippi cities, Jackson sits in the middle. It offers a higher salary than smaller towns like Hattiesburg or Greenville, but it doesn’t reach the levels of Gulf Coast cities like Biloxi, where high-end cosmetic and restorative practices can pay a premium. The job market here is more competitive than in rural areas, but less saturated than in a major hub like the Research Triangle in North Carolina.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Jackson practices offer benefits like CE allowance, paid time off, and 401(k) matching. In a lower-cost city like Jackson, these benefits can significantly impact your total compensation package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. The median salary of $85,087/year is a gross figure. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer can expect to take home approximately $64,500 annually, or about $5,375 per month. This is a simplified estimate, but it’s a useful baseline.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jackson is $997/month. This is a massive advantage. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a hygienist taking home $5,375.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR)	$997	18.5%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	4.7%
Groceries & Household	$400	7.4%
Transportation (Gas/Ins. for car)	$450	8.4%
Health Insurance	$300	5.6%
Retirement Savings (10%)	$537	10.0%
Discretionary Spending	$1,441	26.8%
Total	$4,375	81.4%

This leaves a comfortable buffer for car payments, student loans, or additional savings. The key takeaway: Jackson is very affordable. With rent at just 18.5% of your take-home pay, you’re in a strong financial position.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Jackson metro area is around $200,000. With a 20% down payment ($40,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,200 - $1,300. This is only slightly more than the average rent. For a hygienist earning the median salary, homeownership is a very realistic goal within a few years of saving.

Insider Tip: Many local employers offer homebuyer assistance programs or match savings contributions. It’s worth asking about during your interview. The Jackson real estate market is not as volatile as larger cities; buying a home here is often seen as a long-term, stable investment.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key players. Knowing these names is crucial for your job search. Here are the major employers for Dental Hygienists in the area:

1. Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH): The state’s public health agency runs dental clinics in underserved areas. This is a great entry point for those interested in community health. Salaries are on the lower end of the scale, but benefits are excellent, and the work-life balance is typically good. Hiring is often tied to state budget cycles.

2. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC): Based in Jackson, UMMC is the state’s only academic medical center. Their dental school and associated clinics (like the University Dental Clinic) often hire hygienists. These positions are competitive and often require a bachelor’s degree. They offer strong benefits, opportunities for research, and CE credits.

3. Corporate Dental Groups (Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental): These national chains have a significant presence in the Jackson metro, with offices in Flowood, Ridgeland, and Madison. They offer consistent schedules, modern equipment, and structured career paths. Turnover can be higher, but they are often actively hiring. Pay is usually at or slightly above the median.

4. Private Practice (Local & Regional): This is the largest segment. Look for practices in affluent suburbs like Flowood and Madison. Well-established local practices often have lower turnover and a loyal patient base. Examples include Jackson Periodontics & Implant Dentistry or Premier Dental Care. These jobs are often found through word-of-mouth or local networking.

5. Hospitals with Dental Departments: While less common, some hospitals like St. Dominic Hospital or Baptist Medical Center may have dental or oral surgery departments that require hygiene services. These roles are more specialized and may involve working with medically compromised patients.

6. School Districts: The Jackson Public School District and surrounding districts like Madison County Schools sometimes employ hygienists for educational programs or in-school clinics. These positions are part-time or seasonal and offer a different pace of work.

Hiring Trends: The market is steady. There’s a constant need for hygienists due to retirements and the opening of new practices in the suburbs. Corporate groups are expanding, while private practices are looking for hygienists who can build patient relationships. The most in-demand candidates are those with experience in digital charting (like Dentrix or Eaglesoft) and those willing to do some community outreach.

Getting Licensed in MS

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

1. Education: You must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. Mississippi has several, including programs at Hinds Community College and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. An associate’s degree is the minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly preferred for advanced roles.

2. Examinations:

   • National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): A written exam.
   • Clinical Board Exam: You must pass a regional clinical exam, such as the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) or Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS). Many Mississippi students take these during their final semester.
   • State Jurisprudence Exam: A Mississippi-specific law and ethics exam.

3. Costs (Estimate):

   • NBDHE Fee: ~$415
   • Regional Clinical Exam Fee: ~$1,000 - $1,500
   • MS Board Application Fee: ~$150
   • Total Estimated Cost: $1,500 - $2,000 (excluding tuition and study materials).

4. Timeline: From starting an accredited program to holding a full license, expect a 2-3 year journey. This includes the 2-year associate's program and the 3-6 months it typically takes to schedule and pass all exams after graduation.

Insider Tip: If you’re licensed in another state, Mississippi is part of the Dental Compact. This can streamline the licensing process, but you must still meet Mississippi’s specific requirements. Check the Board’s website for the most current application forms and fees.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Where you live in Jackson impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social life. The metro area is spread out. Here are top neighborhoods to consider, balancing commute to major employers with quality of life.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Fondren	Walkable, artsy, young professionals. Central to UMMC, downtown, and I-55.	$1,100 - $1,300	Hygienists working at UMMC or downtown practices who want a vibrant, non-suburban lifestyle.
Flowood	Suburban, family-friendly, modern apartments. Easy access to I-20 and I-55.	$1,050 - $1,200	Those working in the corporate dental groups or private practices in the eastern suburbs.
Madison	Affluent, top-rated schools, quiet. 20-25 minute commute to central Jackson.	$1,200 - $1,400	Hygienists looking for a safe, community-oriented suburb with higher-end amenities.
Pearl	Affordable, convenient, growing. Direct access to I-20.	$900 - $1,050	Budget-conscious professionals who don’t mind a shorter commute and want more space for their money.
Belhaven	Historic, charming, near Millsaps College. Walkable to coffee shops and parks.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those who love historic character and a tight-knit community feel, with a manageable commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Jackson is generally light unless there’s an accident on I-55 or I-20. Most commutes between these neighborhoods and major employer hubs are under 25 minutes. When apartment hunting, prioritize your workplace location—living in Fondren and working in Flowood is a reverse commute that’s usually quick.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A dental hygiene career in Jackson can evolve in several directions beyond the clinical chair.

• Specialty Premiums: General dentistry is the norm, but there’s demand for specialists. Hygienists with training in periodontics (working with gum disease) or pediatric dentistry can command a 10-15% salary premium. Advanced training in laser therapy or orthodontic assisting (coronal polishing for braces) can also increase your value.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Management: Become a Lead Hygienist or Hygiene Coordinator. You’ll oversee the hygiene department, manage schedules, order supplies, and train new hires. This role can push your salary toward the $90,000 - $95,000 mark.
  • Education: With a bachelor’s degree, you can move into education. Hinds Community College and UMMC sometimes hire adjunct clinical instructors. This path offers summers off and a different pace.
  • Public Health: Move into a supervisory role with the Mississippi State Department of Health, managing community dental programs.
  • Sales/Corporate: Hygienists with strong communication skills are recruited by dental supply companies (like Patterson Dental) for sales roles. This shift can be lucrative but is commission-based and less stable.

10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is a solid indicator of stability. The demand will be driven by an aging population needing more periodontal care and a growing awareness of the oral-systemic health link. The key to advancement will be continuous education. Hygienists who stay current with digital dentistry, patient education technology, and new regulatory standards will have the most options.

Insider Tip: Join the Mississippi Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA). It’s the best resource for networking, CE events, and staying informed about state legislative issues that affect your practice.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Jackson isn’t for everyone. It’s a city with a complex character—rich in history and community, but also facing economic and social challenges. Here’s a balanced look.

Pros	Cons
Very Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far; homeownership is accessible.	Stagnant Population Growth: Job market is stable but not expanding rapidly.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from established employers and practices.	Limited Specialty Opportunities: Fewer high-end cosmetic or research-focused roles.
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to build professional networks and personal connections.	Infrastructure Challenges: Some areas have older roads and utilities.
Central Location in MS: Easy weekend trips to the Delta, Gulf Coast, or Birmingham.	Perception & Reality: The city has pockets of poverty and struggles with crime, which impacts public perception.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Short commutes and a generally relaxed pace of life.	Cultural & Dining Scene is Smaller: You’ll drive to Memphis or New Orleans for major concerts or top-tier dining.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an excellent choice for Dental Hygienists who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and community over rapid career advancement or a buzzing metropolitan vibe. It’s ideal for those in the mid-career stage looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply enjoy a lower-stress life while earning a solid income. If you’re ambitious and seeking the most dynamic, high-paying specialty markets, a larger city might be a better fit. But for most, Jackson offers a rare and valuable combination of affordability and professional opportunity.

FAQs

1. What is the job market like for new graduates in Jackson?
It’s competitive but fair. New graduates should apply to a mix of corporate dental groups and public health clinics to gain experience. Networking through your school’s alumni and local dental hygiene association meetings is highly effective. Starting salary will likely be in the $70,000 - $75,000 range.

2. Do I need to know about Mississippi’s specific dental laws?
Yes, absolutely. The state has specific regulations on everything from nitrous oxide administration to the use of ultrasonic scalers. Passing the state jurisprudence exam is mandatory. The Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners website is your primary source for the current statutes.

3. How diverse is the patient population in Jackson?
Jackson is a majority African American city, which is reflected in the patient population in many practices. You’ll gain experience treating a wide range of oral health conditions and cultural backgrounds, which is invaluable for your professional development.

4. Is it easy to find a specialist to refer patients to?
Yes. While Jackson isn’t a huge specialty hub, it has well-established specialists in orthodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery. Referral networks are strong, especially in the suburban areas of Flowood and Madison.

5. What’s the best way to prepare for an interview with a Jackson dental practice?
Research the practice thoroughly. Know the names of the dentists and the services they offer. Be prepared to discuss your experience with digital charting systems. Most importantly, express an interest in becoming part of the local community. In Jackson, employers value long-term commitment and cultural fit as much as clinical skill.