Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Springdale, AR: $23.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Springdale, AR runs $23.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Springdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,567 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Springdale, Arkansas, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $23.69, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This translates into a competitive compensation structure for those working in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty practices. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a reasonable income while balancing their schedules. The hourly range for dental assistants in this region spans from $18.04 for entry-level positions to $30.55 for top earners, highlighting the potential for wage growth within the profession. This information is based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and underscores the solid earning potential for dental assistants in the area.
About the Springdale 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) | $18.04 | $144.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.47 | $171.79 |
| Median (P50) | $23.69 | $189.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.66 | $229.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.55 | $244.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springdale
Based on $23.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.69/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springdale, AR can expect to earn approximately $49,278 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,430. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $947.65 | $4,106 | $49,278 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $568.59 | $2,464 | $29,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.06 | $1,643 | $19,711 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Springdale) | $23.69 |
| 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 Springdale, AR earn a median of $49,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.59% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 27.60% above the Arkansas state average of $38,626.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.69/hr = $29,567/year (purchasing power: $34,024).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,278/year (purchasing power: $56,706).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Springdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Springdale grew 19.9% from $19.15/hr (2019) to $22.97/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.44/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 Springdale 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 Springdale
Part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income that reflects their flexible arrangements, typically earning about $29,636 compared to full-time colleagues who might earn nearly double. The dynamic nature of per diem work in Springdale allows dental assistants to bill anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, while specialists in oral surgery and orthodontics may command rates between $28 and $45 per hour. This variability reflects the competitive landscape shaped by various employer types, from solo practices to larger chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental. Many dental assistants weigh the trade-offs of accepting lower hourly rates that offer benefits against higher pay without health insurance. For those seeking to negotiate, understanding the pay scales specific to their practice type can be advantageous, as well as demonstrating relevant certifications like DANB or expanded function authority.
More salary data for Springdale, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Springdale in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Springdale?
Are dental assistants in Springdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Springdale?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Springdale?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Springdale. 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 Springdale 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