Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $18.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Benton, AR runs $18.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,831 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,693 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, AR, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $18.18 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This disparity in pay highlights the regional differences in wage levels for dental assistants, affecting various employment settings, including general dentistry operatories, orthodontic practices, and dental clinics. The hourly pay range in Benton runs from approximately $14.03 for entry-level positions to around $22.55 for those at the top end of the salary scale. For those considering part-time work, such as 3 days a week in traditional settings or engaging in per diem roles, understanding the implications of this hourly rate is essential for financial planning. The estimates are derived from annual salary data, which provides a foundational context for what dental assistants in Benton can expect to earn on an hourly basis.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.03 | $112.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.62 | $132.93 |
| Median (P50) | $18.18 | $145.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.55 | $172.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.55 | $180.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $18.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.18/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $37,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,820. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $727.34 | $3,152 | $37,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $436.41 | $1,891 | $22,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $290.94 | $1,261 | $15,129 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Benton) | $18.18 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Benton, AR earn a median of $37,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.70% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $38,603.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.18/hr = $22,693/year (purchasing power: $26,114).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,822/year (purchasing power: $43,523).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Benton grew 19.9% from $14.70/hr (2019) to $17.63/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.75/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Benton
Part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $22,796 annually, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts bringing in a significantly higher income. For those opting for per diem dental assistant pay in Benton, opportunities often range from $22 to $35 an hour, and specialized per diem positions in oral surgery or orthodontics can command rates from $28 to $45 per hour. Employment in varying types of practices can also lead to differing pay rates; dental assistants in larger corporate chains like Heartland Dental may experience standardized pay scales, while those in pediatric or orthodontic practices may see more favorable compensation structures. Additionally, many dental assistants must weigh the trade-off between accepting lower hourly wages that provide health benefits versus pursuing higher hourly rates without such perks. Negotiating hourly pay effectively in Benton often involves showcasing relevant certifications—like DANB credentials or expanded function authority—to leverage better earnings and job offers.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Benton in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Benton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov