Dental Assistant Salary in Bryant, AR: $36,489 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Bryant, AR earns a median $36,489/year (≈ $17.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Bryant's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $41,990 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bryant, Arkansas, dental assistants can anticipate a median annual salary of $36,489 in 2026, a figure significantly impacted by the state's expanded function rules. These regulations enable dental assistants to perform a wider array of clinical tasks, which can elevate their earning potential above the general rates often seen across the nation. Salaries for dental assistants in Bryant are projected to range from $28,859 at the lower end to $43,404 at the higher end, based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. When comparing these local figures, it's evident that the Arlington market presents unique opportunities that can benefit those seeking a career in dental assisting.
About the Bryant Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,859 | $13.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,644 | $16.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,489 | $17.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,363 | $20.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43,404 | $20.87 |
Median Salary Position
26.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bryant
In Bryant, AR, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,545 (2026 est.). At $36,489, the local median is 26.4% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bryant: You'd be above the median
How Bryant Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Bryant median: $36,489/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bryant Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $38,613 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -26.40% less |
Dental Assistants in Bryant, AR earn a median of $36,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.40% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.50% below the Arkansas state average of $38,613.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bryant has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bryant, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $36,489 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,990 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,498
2025 BLS Actual
$35,378
2026 Current Est.
$36,489
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Bryant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,498 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,307 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,453 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,986 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,252 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,489 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,635 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bryant metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $29,498 (2019) to $35,378 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,635 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,137 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bryant 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $28,859 – $33,644 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,644 – $36,489 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,489 – $42,363 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,363 – $43,404 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Bryant
The employment landscape for dental assistants in Bryant is relatively limited, with only four individuals currently in the field. The cost of living in the area, reflected in a CoL index of 86.9, indicates that while salaries may be lower than national averages, the purchasing power for residents remains favorable. Employers who typically offer higher compensation include specialty practices such as oral surgery, orthodontics, and pediatric dental offices. The variation in salaries can largely be attributed to the range of skills, including those related to EFDA certification and the depth of responsibilities taken on. To maximize pay, aspiring dental assistants may consider pursuing certification through the DANB, gaining experience in specialty fields, and exploring roles as treatment coordinators or mentors to elevate their opportunities within the Bryant job market.
More salary data for Bryant, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $35,378 for dental assistantsin the Bryant metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bryant 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