Dental Hygienist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 2K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$86,760
$41.71/hr
vs National Average
$96,870
-10.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $98K
2K employed in Arkansas
The median Dental Hygienist salary in Arkansas is $86,760 per year, which translates to approximately $42 per hour. This figure is 10.4% lower than the national average, indicating a potentially more affordable cost of living or a different market dynamic for the profession within the state.
Several factors can influence a Dental Hygienist salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, the specific dental practice or clinic where one is employed, and geographic location within the state. Educational background and any specialized certifications can also play a role in determining earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Dental Hygienist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,170 |
| 25th percentile | $82,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $86,760 |
| 75th percentile | $93,600 |
| 90th percentile | $97,730 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Hygienist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Hygienists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Hygienists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $102,340 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $100,180 | 40 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $98,180 | 217K |
| Manufacturing | $96,200 | 40 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $94,570 | 120 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Hygienist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $86,760 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,363 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $86,760 | $96,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,363 | $99,776 |
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $86,760 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $93,600 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $97,730 |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Other States
Related Dental Hygienist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Dental Hygienist ($86,760 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Hygienist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +193.8% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +168.7% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +158.5% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +148.8% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +106.2% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +84.9% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +56.8% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +44.8% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +43.8% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +43.5% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +36.5% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +24.1% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist in Arkansas?
- The median Dental Hygienist salary in Arkansas is $86,760 annually. This means half of all Dental Hygienists in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Hygienist in Arkansas?
- Most Dental Hygienists in Arkansas can expect to earn between $62,170 and $97,730 per year. This range reflects varying levels of experience and employment settings.
How does the Dental Hygienist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
- The Dental Hygienist salary in Arkansas is approximately 10.4% lower than the national average. This suggests that earnings in Arkansas are generally less than the countrywide median.
How many Dental Hygienists are employed in Arkansas?
- There are an estimated 1,740 Dental Hygienists employed in Arkansas. This number provides context for the job market and demand for these professionals.