Dental Assistant Salary in Little Rock, AR: $36,134 (2026)

Dental Assistant Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median dental assistant salary of $36,134, which is $1,276 above the Arkansas state average of $34,858. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $36,134 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $41,533 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Little Rock spans from $25,500 at the 10th percentile to $51,000 at the 90th percentile — a $25,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,350, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,300. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $26,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$26,350

$-4,650 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$36,550

$-6,450 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$49,300

$-8,700 vs national

Percentile	Little Rock	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$25,500	$24,600	$30,000
25th Percentile	$29,750	$28,700	$35,000
Median (50th)	$36,134	$34,858	$42,510
75th Percentile	$44,200	$42,640	$52,000
90th Percentile	$51,000	$49,200	$60,000

Percentile

Little Rock

10th Percentile

$25,500

25th Percentile

$29,750

Median (50th)

$36,134

75th Percentile

$44,200

90th Percentile

$51,000

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Little Rock

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Little Rock 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 Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Little Rock, AR? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $36,134 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $25,500 (10th percentile) to $51,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Little Rock? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $36,134, a dental assistant in Little Rock earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Little Rock's median dental assistant salary of $36,134 is 3.7% above the Arkansas state average of $34,858. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼

Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $36,134 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Little Rock? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in Little Rock 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.

Dental Assistant Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas