Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Bentonville, AR: $18.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Bentonville, AR runs $18.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,148 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Bentonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,886 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bentonville, Arkansas, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $18.34, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides an understanding of the financial landscape for part-time workers, particularly those engaged three days per week, in varying settings such as general dentistry operatory, pediatric exam rooms, and periodontal surgical suites. For per-diem workers, the pay can range substantially, reflecting skill and specialization, with entry-level positions starting around $13.44 and top earners bringing in up to $22.95 per hour. These figures are reflective of estimated projections based on 2025 BLS data, indicating that while Bentonville offers competitive hourly wages, it still falls short of the national average.
About the Bentonville 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) | $13.44 | $107.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.34 | $138.70 |
| Median (P50) | $18.34 | $146.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.82 | $174.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.95 | $183.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bentonville
Based on $18.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.34/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bentonville, AR can expect to earn approximately $38,144 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,006. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bentonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bentonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $733.53 | $3,179 | $38,144 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $440.12 | $1,907 | $22,886 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $293.41 | $1,271 | $15,257 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Bentonville) | $18.34 |
| 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 Bentonville, AR earn a median of $38,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.06% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% below the Arkansas state average of $38,612.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.34/hr = $22,886/year (purchasing power: $26,336).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,144/year (purchasing power: $43,894).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Bentonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Bentonville grew 19.9% from $14.82/hr (2019) to $17.78/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.91/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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville
When examining part-time roles, a dental assistant working just 24 hours a week could realistically expect to take home approximately $22,699 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Bentonville reflects a broader range, with many charging between $22 and $35 per hour, specifically in oral surgery and orthodontic practices, where rates can peak at $28 to $45 per hour. Employment types also affect earnings; general dental practices tend to offer less than specialized offices. Many assistants might consider accepting lower hourly rates from employers that provide benefits like health insurance, weighing the trade-offs based on personal needs. Negotiating skills are essential, especially in a market where hourly rates are influenced heavily by employer type and the rise of dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen Dental, which standardize pay across their locations.
More salary data for Bentonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Bentonville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Bentonville?
Are dental assistants in Bentonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Bentonville?
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Related Pages
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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 Bentonville. 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 Bentonville 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