Fort Smith vs Jonesboro: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,327▲ | $37,873 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.43▲ | $18.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,407 | $35,996▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,800▲ | $36,264 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,413 | $47,104▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,279 | $48,744▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jonesboro is $454 (1.20%). Fort Smith's median is -22.70% 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,Jonesboro spans $12,748. Fort Smith 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, Fort Smith ($44,624 effective) pays 1.18% more than Jonesboro ($44,102 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,327/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,624)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,744)
- ✓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 2.1% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$35,500 (2019) → $37,160 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$35,950 (2019) → $36,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Fort Smith or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Jonesboro as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Fort Smith vs Jonesboro?
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