Dental Assistant Salary in Conway, AR: $45,568 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Conway, AR earns a median $45,568/year (≈ $21.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Conway's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $52,437 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.0% above the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Conway, Arkansas, can expect a median annual salary of $45,568, illustrating a favorable earning potential within the region. The salary range for these positions extends from $35,638 at the 10th percentile to $58,175 at the 90th percentile. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local market conditions. Notably, while this range reflects a competitive market for dental assistants, it still falls approximately 8.09% below the national median annual salary of $49,579 for the same year. Those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics often earn higher salaries, enhancing the overall compensation prospects for skilled professionals in these areas.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,638 | $17.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,021 | $20.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,568 | $21.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,908 | $26.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,175 | $27.97 |
Median Salary Position
8.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Conway
In Conway, AR, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,537 (2026 est.). At $45,568, the local median is 8.09% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Conway: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Conway Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Conway median: $45,568/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Conway Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $38,617 | +18.00% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -8.09% less |
Dental Assistants in Conway, AR earn a median of $45,568 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 18.00% above the Arkansas state average of $38,617.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Conway 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.
Conway, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $45,568 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,437 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$36,837
2025 BLS Actual
$44,181
2026 Current Est.
$45,568
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,837 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,532 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,775 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,471 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,181 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,568 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,999 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Conway metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,837 (2019) to $44,181 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,999 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,162 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Conway 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) | $35,638 – $42,021 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,021 – $45,568 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,568 – $54,908 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,908 – $58,175 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Conway
The Conway job market reports around 14 dental assistants currently employed, an indicator of focused opportunities in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, salaries in Conway can translate into strong purchasing power compared to many other regions. Among local employers, those in oral surgery and orthodontic practices tend to offer the highest salaries, followed closely by specialty offices and larger dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen. The salary disparity often correlates with additional qualifications, such as the EFDA credential, or roles that combine responsibilities, such as treatment coordinators. For those looking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Conway, pursuing additional certifications or considering positions in higher-paying specialties can make a significant difference in earnings potential, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the industry in AR.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Conway, AR in 2026?
Is Conway, AR a good place to work as a dental assistant?
Can dental assistants make $100K in Conway?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Conway?
How much does a dental assistant make per hour in Conway?
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
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 $44,181 for dental assistantsin the Conway 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 Conway 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