Fort Smith vs Rogers: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Rogers, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Rogers, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,327 | $49,322▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.43 | $23.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,407 | $37,595▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,800 | $44,748▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,413 | $59,699▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,279 | $63,669▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Rogers, AR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Rogers is $10,995 (28.69%). Rogers's median is -0.52% 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,Rogers spans $26,074. Rogers 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, Rogers ($56,757 effective) pays 27.19% 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 Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Rogers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,322/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,669)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,757)
- ✓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 56.3% growth in Rogers over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$35,500 (2019) → $37,160 (2025)
Rogers, AR
$30,603 (2024) → $47,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Rogers, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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