Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Fayetteville, AR: $23.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Fayetteville, AR runs $23.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,527 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Fayetteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.4, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,116 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fayetteville, Arkansas, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $23.33, which falls slightly below the national median of $23.84. This competitive wage provides substantial opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various dental settings, such as general dentistry operatories and specialty clinics. For a worker on a part-time schedule of three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, the earnings can be significant, allowing flexibility while maintaining a stable income. The hourly range for dental assistants in the area spans from $17.52 for entry-level positions to $24.25 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting the diverse experience levels and specialties within this profession. This data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.52 | $140.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.57 | $148.52 |
| Median (P50) | $23.33 | $186.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.93 | $191.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.25 | $193.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fayetteville
Based on $23.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.33/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fayetteville, AR can expect to earn approximately $48,527 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,996. With a cost-of-living index of 91.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fayetteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fayetteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $933.21 | $4,044 | $48,527 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $559.93 | $2,426 | $29,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.28 | $1,618 | $19,411 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Fayetteville) | $23.33 |
| 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 Fayetteville, AR earn a median of $48,527 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.12% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 25.70% above the Arkansas state average of $38,606.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.33/hr = $29,116/year (purchasing power: $31,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,527/year (purchasing power: $53,120).
CoL index: 91.353 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Fayetteville grew 27.7% from $17.72/hr (2019) to $22.62/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.06/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 Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
When considering part-time options, a dental assistant working 24 hours per week in Fayetteville could take home around $28,000 annually, a substantial income relative to the local cost of living index. Meanwhile, those opting for per-diem positions often find their pay ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics offering even higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. Temporary staffing agencies such as Cloud Dentistry and GoTu are increasingly connecting dental assistants with short-term assignments, catering to an evolving market influenced by DSO consolidation among larger dental chains. Various employer types present different pay structures; for instance, dental practices associated with DSO chains may offer standardized pay scales, whereas independent practices might provide more room for negotiation. The presence of benefits can significantly affect hourly earnings; some assistants may choose positions offering lower rates in exchange for health insurance or retirement plans. Negotiating effectively is key—knowing the local market rates and being clear on personal value can support a dental assistant in landing a favorable pay arrangement amid the competitive landscape of Fayetteville’s dental field.
More salary data for Fayetteville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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