Conway vs Fort Smith: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Conway, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Conway, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,568▲ | $38,327 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.91▲ | $18.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,638▲ | $32,407 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,021▲ | $36,800 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,908▲ | $46,413 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,175▲ | $47,279 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Conway, AR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Conway and Fort Smith is $7,241 (18.89%). Conway's median is -8.09% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $22,537,Fort Smith spans $14,872. Conway has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Conway ($52,437 effective) pays 17.51% more than Fort Smith ($44,624 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Conway if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,568/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,175)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,437)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Conway grew 49.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Conway, AR
$29,471 (2024) → $44,181 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$35,500 (2019) → $37,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Conway or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Conway and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Conway to Fort Smith as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Conway vs Fort Smith?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov