Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median dental laboratory technician salary in Fort Smith, AR is $35,771 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$35,771
vs State Avg
$-1,834
vs National
$-10,089
Cost of Living
80%

Dental Laboratory Technician Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median dental laboratory technician salary of $35,771, which is $1,834 below the Arkansas state average of $37,605. Compared to the national median of $45,860, Fort Smith pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Smith's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $35,771 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $44,714 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for dental laboratory technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental laboratory technicians in Fort Smith spans from $23,400 at the 10th percentile to $54,600 at the 90th percentile — a $31,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,960, while senior dental laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,040. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $24,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,960
$-7,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,660
$-10,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,040
$-14,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $23,400
25th Percentile $28,080
Median (50th) $35,771
75th Percentile $45,240
90th Percentile $54,600

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental CeramicsCAD/CAMProsthetic DesignAttention to DetailManual DexterityQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Laboratory Technician Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open dental laboratory technician positions in Fort Smith, AR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $35,771 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $23,400 (10th percentile) to $54,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,771, a dental laboratory technician in Fort Smith earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for dental laboratory technician pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median dental laboratory technician salary of $35,771 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $37,605. 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 laboratory technician salary of $35,771 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 laboratory technician in Fort Smith? ▼
Most dental laboratory technician positions in Fort Smith require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Dental Ceramics, CAD/CAM, Prosthetic Design, Attention to Detail. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.