Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Hot Springs, AR: $18.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Hot Springs, AR runs $18.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,616 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Hot Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,169 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hot Springs, Arkansas, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $18.57 in 2026, a figure that is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. For professionals working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, earnings can vary, leading to an annual income that may not provide the financial stability many seek. Per-diem dental assistants typically fill roles that require flexibility across various settings, such as general dentistry operatories and oral surgery rooms, often necessitating higher compensation for specialized tasks. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in Hot Springs stretches from $15.30 at entry-level positions to $23.07 for those nearing the peak of their earning potential; this range reflects the diversity in skill levels and responsibilities inherent in the profession.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.30 | $122.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.39 | $139.12 |
| Median (P50) | $18.57 | $148.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.75 | $174.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.07 | $184.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hot Springs
Based on $18.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.57/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hot Springs, AR can expect to earn approximately $38,616 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,278. With a cost-of-living index of 85.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hot Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hot Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $742.61 | $3,218 | $38,616 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $445.56 | $1,931 | $23,169 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $297.04 | $1,287 | $15,446 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Hot Springs) | $18.57 |
| 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 Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $38,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.11% lower than the national median of $49,579.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.57/hr = $23,169/year (purchasing power: $27,026).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,616/year (purchasing power: $45,043).
CoL index: 85.73 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Hot Springs grew 5.5% from $17.06/hr (2019) to $18.00/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.15/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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs
When examining part-time income, a dental assistant working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week would earn a take-home salary considerably below that of their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the challenge of sustaining a comfortable lifestyle from part-time work alone. For those seeking per diem or agency roles, rates can rise substantially, with typical pay between $22-$35 per hour for general assignments, and even higher, $28-$45 per hour, for specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics. In Hot Springs, the hourly compensation can vary by employer type—dental practices ranging from solo practitioners to large chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental offer different wage scales based on their operational needs and employee benefits. This presents a trade-off for dental assistants: choosing between a higher hourly rate without health benefits and a lower rate with health coverage. Effective negotiation for hourly pay often involves highlighting relevant experience and certifications, such as those from DANB or ADAA, which can enhance a candidate’s value in the market.
More salary data for Hot Springs, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs. 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