Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Conway, AR: $21.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Conway, AR runs $21.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,568 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,340 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Conway, Arkansas, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $21.91, slightly lower than the national median of $23.84. This figure provides a favorable outlook for part-time employees who may work around three days a week, totaling roughly 24 hours. For per-diem workers, this pay structure is appealing, offering various opportunities in settings such as general dentistry, pediatric clinics, orthodontic offices, and surgical suites. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to start at approximately $17.13 an hour, while more experienced professionals are positioned to earn up to $27.97 an hour, reflecting a range that accommodates both new entrants and seasoned specialists in the field.
About the Conway 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) | $17.13 | $137.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.21 | $161.64 |
| Median (P50) | $21.91 | $175.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.39 | $211.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.97 | $223.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $21.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.91/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, AR can expect to earn approximately $45,566 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,288. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $876.28 | $3,797 | $45,566 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $525.77 | $2,278 | $27,340 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.51 | $1,519 | $18,227 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Conway) | $21.91 |
| 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 Conway, AR earn a median of $45,568 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 18.00% above the Arkansas state average of $38,617.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.91/hr = $27,340/year (purchasing power: $31,461).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,566/year (purchasing power: $52,435).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Conway grew 19.9% from $17.71/hr (2019) to $21.24/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.59/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 Conway 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 Conway
Considering the financial realities of part-time and per-diem positions, a dental assistant working three days a week can bring home about $27,252 annually, demonstrating significant differences when compared to full-time opportunities. Per diem dental assistant pay in Conway varies considerably; many charge between $22 and $35 per hour, and those in niche specialties, like oral surgery or orthodontics, can command rates of $28 to $45 per hour. The working environment greatly influences these rates; general dental practices often offer base pay, while specialty clinics might allow for negotiation on higher salaries based on skills. Some dental assistants choose lower hourly rates with benefits, like health insurance, whereas others may prefer higher wages without those offerings. For negotiating hourly pay in Conway, articulating your skills, certifications from DANB, and considering the growth within DSO chains can be advantageous when discussing compensation.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Conway 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 Conway. 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 Conway 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