Fayetteville vs Little Rock: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,527▲ | $46,557 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.33▲ | $22.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,439 | $37,151▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,605 | $38,873▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,775▲ | $47,083 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,425▲ | $49,115 |
| Total Employed | 680 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Little Rock is $1,970 (4.23%). Fayetteville's median is -2.12% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $13,986,Little Rock spans $11,964. Fayetteville 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, Fayetteville ($53,120 effective) pays 1.96% more than Little Rock ($52,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,527/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,425)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,120)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Fayetteville grew 27.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$36,860 (2019) → $47,050 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$35,200 (2019) → $45,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Fayetteville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Little Rock as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Fayetteville vs Little Rock?
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