Dental Assistant Salary in Russellville, AR: $37,321 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Russellville, AR earns a median $37,321/year (≈ $17.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Russellville's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $42,947 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Russellville, Arkansas, dental assistants have a projected median annual salary of $37,321 for 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49,579, reflecting a difference of nearly 25%. The salary range for dental assistant roles in the area spans from $31,174 at the lower end (P10) to $47,585 at the upper end (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, have been adjusted to account for local cost-of-living factors. As the job market evolves, dental support organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen are likely to influence pay scales, offering standardized wages across multiple locations. This consolidation could lead to a more structured salary environment, impacting both pay and opportunities for dental assistants in Russellville.
About the Russellville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,174 | $14.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,745 | $17.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,321 | $17.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,010 | $21.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,585 | $22.88 |
Median Salary Position
24.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Russellville
In Russellville, AR, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,411 (2026 est.). At $37,321, the local median is 24.72% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Russellville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Russellville Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Russellville median: $37,321/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Russellville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $38,635 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -24.72% less |
Dental Assistants in Russellville, AR earn a median of $37,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.72% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.40% below the Arkansas state average of $38,635.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Russellville 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.
Russellville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $37,321 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,947 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,170
2025 BLS Actual
$36,185
2026 Current Est.
$37,321
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Russellville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,999 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,102 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,739 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,033 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,395 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,321 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,493 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Russellville metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $30,170 (2019) to $36,185 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,493 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,323 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Russellville 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) | $31,174 – $35,745 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,745 – $37,321 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,321 – $45,010 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,010 – $47,585 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Russellville
The local job market in Russellville supports approximately six dental assistants, signifying a modest demand for these professionals in the area. However, the cost of living index in Russellville stands at 86.9, which is below the national average, meaning that the purchasing power for dental assistants may offer some advantages despite the lower salary figures. Among employers, DSO chains generally provide higher compensation compared to independent general practices or specialty offices, although those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics often pay the most. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to various factors, including specialties, certifications like EFDA, and hybrid roles that integrate treatment coordination. For dental assistants looking to maximize their pay, obtaining certifications, seeking opportunities within DSOs, or considering roles in higher-paying specialties could be effective strategies in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Russellville, 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 $36,185 for dental assistantsin the Russellville 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 Russellville 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