Healthcare Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in Arkansas

The median dental assistant salary in Arkansas is $34,858 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$34,858
vs National
$-7,652
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Dental Assistant Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $25,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,560 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,420
$-5,580 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,260
$-7,740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,560
$-10,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $24,600
25th Percentile $28,700
Median (50th) $34,858
75th Percentile $42,640
90th Percentile $49,200

Dental Assistant Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Little Rock, AR
$36,134
Pop. 202,591 · COL 87%
Fort Smith, AR
$33,158
Pop. 89,142 · COL 80%
Fayetteville, AR
$36,559
Pop. 93,949 · COL 88%
Springdale, AR
$34,858
Pop. 80,433 · COL 84%
Jonesboro, AR
$34,008
Pop. 78,576 · COL 82%

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Arkansas

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Arkansas

Browse open dental assistant positions in Arkansas:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Arkansas? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Arkansas is $34,858 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $24,600 (10th percentile) to $49,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,858, a dental assistant in Arkansas earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for dental assistants? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $25,420, while senior professionals earn $47,560.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. Arkansas's median of $34,858 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($36,984) and Oklahoma ($35,708).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in Arkansas earns approximately $25,420 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $35,260. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $47,560.
What city in Arkansas pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for dental assistants, with a median salary of $36,559. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.