Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Bryant, AR: $17.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Bryant, AR runs $17.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,489 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Bryant's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,895 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bryant, Arkansas, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $17.54, significantly lower than the national median of $23.84. This discrepancy means that part-time workers, such as those employed for three days a week, may find their earnings somewhat limited compared to their counterparts in other states. per-diem opportunities also exist, providing flexibility for dental assistants seeking varied experiences in different settings like pediatric exam rooms or oral surgery suites. For those entering the profession, the hourly rate starts at approximately $13.87, while experienced dental assistants can earn as much as $20.87 per hour. The wide range reflects not only levels of experience but also the diverse environments in which dental assistants operate in Bryant.
About the Bryant 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) | $13.87 | $110.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.17 | $129.38 |
| Median (P50) | $17.54 | $140.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.37 | $162.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.87 | $166.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bryant
Based on $17.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.54/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bryant, AR can expect to earn approximately $36,492 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,053. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bryant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bryant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $701.76 | $3,041 | $36,492 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $421.06 | $1,825 | $21,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $280.71 | $1,216 | $14,597 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Bryant) | $17.54 |
| 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 Bryant, AR earn a median of $36,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.40% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.50% below the Arkansas state average of $38,613.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.54/hr = $21,895/year (purchasing power: $25,196).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,492/year (purchasing power: $41,993).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Bryant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Bryant grew 19.9% from $14.18/hr (2019) to $17.01/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.09/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 Bryant 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 Bryant
A part-time dental assistant working a 24-hour week at the median hourly rate could anticipate an annual take-home pay of about $21,900, which falls well below a full-time estimate. For those considering per-diem positions, pay rates can reach anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized fields like orthodontics or oral surgery commanding rates of $28 to $45. Positions in larger group practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may offer more consistent pay structures, though specialized practices often provide more competitive rates. However, a trade-off often exists between hourly pay and benefits; some dental assistants opt for lower pay in exchange for comprehensive health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their pay, it's advisable to understand local market rates—highlighting skills that align with the expanding needs of practices in Bryant, particularly in a landscape where expanded function dental assistants may earn significantly more.
More salary data for Bryant, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Bryant in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Bryant?
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How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Bryant?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bryant?
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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 Bryant. 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 Bryant 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