Fort Smith vs Jacksonville: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jacksonville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jacksonville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,327 | $38,337▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.43 | $18.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,407▲ | $30,576 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,800▲ | $35,649 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,413▲ | $46,025 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,279 | $48,535▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Jacksonville, AR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jacksonville is $10 (0.03%). Jacksonville's median is -22.67% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $14,872,Jacksonville spans $17,959. Jacksonville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($44,624 effective) pays 1.15% more than Jacksonville ($44,116 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,624)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,337/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,535)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Fort Smith grew 4.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$35,500 (2019) → $37,160 (2025)
Jacksonville, AR
$30,195 (2024) → $37,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jacksonville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Fort Smith or Jacksonville?
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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