Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Searcy, AR: $17.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Searcy, AR runs $17.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Searcy's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,062 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For dental assistants in Searcy, Arkansas, the median hourly pay is projected to be $17.68 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the national median of $23.84, reflecting local economic factors and the cost of living index, which is at 86.9—indicating a lower-than-average cost of living in the area. For part-time workers, typically scheduling around three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a workable income, although it places some limits on earning potential compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem positions in dental settings such as general dentistry, pediatric practices, or oral surgery might offer more flexibility, with hourly rates ranging from $14.22 for entry-level positions to $20.72 for more experienced assistants. These estimates are deduced from annual salary data, showcasing a range that stands to benefit both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the field.
About the Searcy 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) | $14.22 | $113.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.46 | $131.69 |
| Median (P50) | $17.68 | $141.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.30 | $162.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.72 | $165.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Searcy
Based on $17.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.68/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Searcy, AR can expect to earn approximately $36,771 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,214. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Searcy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Searcy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $707.13 | $3,064 | $36,771 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $424.28 | $1,839 | $22,062 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $282.85 | $1,226 | $14,708 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Searcy) | $17.68 |
| 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 Searcy, AR earn a median of $36,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.85% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $38,618.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.68/hr = $22,062/year (purchasing power: $25,388).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,771/year (purchasing power: $42,314).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Searcy grew 19.9% from $14.29/hr (2019) to $17.14/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.23/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 Searcy 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 Searcy
Exploring the earning potential for dental assistants reveals nuanced dynamics, especially for those engaging in part-time work. A dental assistant working a standard schedule of 24 hours per week might expect to bring home roughly $20,000 annually—substantially less than full-time peers, yet a suitable arrangement for those prioritizing work-life balance. For per-diem dental assistant pay in Searcy, the market shows varied rates; professionals may bill between $22 to $35 hourly for regular shifts, while specialty fields such as oral surgery or orthodontics may command rates from $28 up to $45 per hour. The type of employer significantly influences hourly rates, with solo practices typically paying less compared to larger groups and chains like Heartland, Aspen, and others. Many dental assistants must weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against the security of benefits such as health insurance. When negotiating, understanding the specific pay scales within your niche—be it general practice or a specialized setting—can be pivotal, encouraging candidates to advocate for their worth in this evolving field.
More salary data for Searcy, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Searcy in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Searcy?
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Related Pages
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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 Searcy. 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 Searcy 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