📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Dental Assistant Salary in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$38,130
per year
Median
$36,321
per year
Hourly
$18.33
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$26,551
25th Percentile — Junior$32,057
50th Percentile — Median$36,321
75th Percentile — Senior$44,446
90th Percentile — Top Earners$48,489
💡 Top-earning Dental Assistants in Arkansas make up to $48,489 per year. The job market in Arkansas is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$31.6k
2021
$32.8k
2022
$34.1k
2023
$35.4k
2024
$36.7k
2025
$38.1k
2026
📈 Dental Assistant salaries in Arkansas have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in Arkansas's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Dental Assistant Salary by City in Arkansas
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Little Rock $31,648 -17.0% High
🔍
Dental Assistant Job Market in Arkansas
Key factors affecting compensation

Arkansas is home to a moderate job market for Dental Assistants. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $38,130 per year, Arkansas's Dental Assistant salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Arkansas (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Arkansas can expect to earn $26,551–$32,057, while experienced Dental Assistants can command $44,446–$48,489.

Looking ahead, the Dental Assistant profession in Arkansas is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Dental Assistant salary in Arkansas is $38,130 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $45,940.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Dental Assistants the highest wages in Arkansas due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Arkansas has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing. Opportunities exist in for Dental Assistant employment.
  • At $38,130/year, Arkansas Dental Assistant salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $45,940/year.