Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Van Buren, AR: $17.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Van Buren, AR runs $17.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,844 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Van Buren's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,509 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Van Buren, AR, the dental assistant hourly pay averages $17.23, which falls significantly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This median estimate reflects the local market for dental assistants who may work in settings such as general dentistry operatories, orthodontic chairs, and pediatric dental offices. With entry-level positions starting at about $14.59 and experienced dental assistants earning up to $21.60, the hourly pay scale provides a clear delineation of opportunity within the profession. Part-time and per-diem workers in Van Buren can find flexible schedules, making it an attractive option for those seeking to balance work with personal commitments. The hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, which indicates a stable outlook for the profession despite the discrepancies compared to the national averages.
About the Van Buren 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) | $14.59 | $116.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.57 | $132.60 |
| Median (P50) | $17.23 | $137.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.65 | $165.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.60 | $172.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Van Buren
Based on $17.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.23/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Van Buren, AR can expect to earn approximately $35,848 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,682. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Van Buren.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Van Buren
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $689.39 | $2,987 | $35,848 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $413.63 | $1,792 | $21,509 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $275.76 | $1,195 | $14,339 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Van Buren) | $17.23 |
| 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 Van Buren, AR earn a median of $35,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.70% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $38,625.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.23/hr = $21,509/year (purchasing power: $24,751).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,848/year (purchasing power: $41,252).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Van Buren grew 19.9% from $13.93/hr (2019) to $16.71/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.78/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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren
For dental assistants working part-time at 24 hours a week, their take-home income can differ notably from full-time counterparts. By working three days a week, part-time dental assistants in Van Buren realistically earn about $26,942 annually, which contrasts with full-time salaries that significantly increase earnings. Per diem options offer different earning potential, as many dental assistants charge between $22 and $35 per hour depending on the facility or specialty, like oral surgery or orthodontics, where rates can peak at $28-$45 per hour. Employment type also influences hourly rates: large DSO chains might standardize pay, while pediatric and periodontal specialty practices could offer varying rates. While some assistants prioritize higher pay, others opt for positions that include benefits like health insurance. Thus, understanding the various factors at play and developing negotiation skills can greatly influence a dental assistant's career trajectory in Van Buren.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Van Buren in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Van Buren?
Are dental assistants in Van Buren paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Van Buren?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Van Buren?
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 Van Buren. 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 Van Buren 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