Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $22.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in North Little Rock, AR runs $22.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,870 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,520 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Little Rock, Arkansas, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $22.05, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This rate offers a solid earning potential for both full-time and part-time professionals. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a reliable source of income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem dental assistants, who often work on an as-needed basis, stand to benefit from an hourly pay range that varies depending on specialization and demand. Generally, entry-level positions may start around $17.39 per hour, while experienced dental assistants in specialized fields like oral surgery or orthodontics could earn as much as $29.30.
About the North Little Rock 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) | $17.39 | $139.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.50 | $164.03 |
| Median (P50) | $22.05 | $176.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.20 | $217.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.30 | $234.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $22.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $45,867 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,462. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $882.05 | $3,822 | $45,867 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $529.23 | $2,293 | $27,520 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $352.82 | $1,529 | $18,347 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (North Little Rock) | $22.05 |
| 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 North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $45,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 18.80% above the Arkansas state average of $38,612.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.05/hr = $27,520/year (purchasing power: $31,669).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,867/year (purchasing power: $52,781).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in North Little Rock grew 19.9% from $17.83/hr (2019) to $21.38/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.74/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 North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
Considering part-time and per-diem work options in North Little Rock, a dental assistant averaging 24 hours per week could earn approximately $27,294 annually, which is a significant trade-off compared to full-time earnings. Per-diem dental assistant pay can greatly vary; while general roles typically bill around $22 to $35 per hour, specialists may command rates between $28 and $45 per hour. Different employers—ranging from solo practices to large dental service organizations—offer varying hourly rates, reflecting the local market’s dynamics. Many dental assistants may choose positions with lower hourly pay that include health benefits, while others might pursue higher pay without benefits. Understanding these nuances is key for effective negotiation in North Little Rock's dental field. For those seeking to negotiate their pay, being knowledgeable about local pay scales and employer benefits can significantly enhance their bargaining position.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock 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