Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Dental Assistant Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median dental assistant salary in Fort Smith, AR is $33,158 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median

$33,158

vs State Avg

$-1,700

vs National

$-9,352

Cost of Living

80%

Dental Assistant Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $24,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$24,180

$-6,820 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$33,540

$-9,460 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$45,240

$-12,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$23,400	$24,600	$30,000
25th Percentile	$27,300	$28,700	$35,000
Median (50th)	$33,158	$34,858	$42,510
75th Percentile	$40,560	$42,640	$52,000
90th Percentile	$46,800	$49,200	$60,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Fort Smith

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.