Little Rock vs Paragould: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Little Rock, AR and Paragould, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Paragould, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,557▲ | $37,722 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.38▲ | $18.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,151▲ | $29,066 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,873▲ | $35,783 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,083▲ | $45,972 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,115▲ | $48,880 |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paragould.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Paragould is $8,835 (23.42%). Little Rock's median is -6.10% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $11,964,Paragould spans $19,814. Paragould 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, Little Rock ($52,098 effective) pays 20.02% more than Paragould ($43,409 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,557/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,115)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,098)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Paragould if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Little Rock grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Paragould over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$35,200 (2019) → $45,140 (2025)
Paragould, AR
$29,711 (2024) → $36,574 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Paragould, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Little Rock or Paragould?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Paragould?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Paragould as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Little Rock vs Paragould?
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