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
10th Percentile $23,400
25th Percentile $27,300
Median (50th) $33,158
75th Percentile $40,560
90th Percentile $46,800

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$36,559
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$36,134
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$34,858
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$34,008
Pop. 78,576

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.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open dental assistant positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $33,158 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $23,400 (10th percentile) to $46,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,158, a dental assistant in Fort Smith earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median dental assistant salary of $33,158 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $34,858. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $33,158 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Fort Smith? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Fort Smith require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.