Dentist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 1K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$178,930
$86.02/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
+1.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$99K – $223K
1K employed in Arkansas
Dentist salary in Arkansas averages $178,930 per year, which is 2% above the national average for the profession. Arkansas currently employs approximately 1,210 dentists, making it a stable field for dental professionals considering the state. The salary range spans from $99,010 to $223,010 annually, reflecting considerable variation among practitioners.
Several factors influence dentist salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, type of practice, patient base, and geographic location within the state. Dentists in urban areas typically earn more than their rural counterparts, while those operating private practices may have different earning potential than those employed by larger dental groups or institutions. Specialization, continuing education, and patient volume also play significant roles in determining individual compensation.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $99,010 |
| 25th percentile | $127,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $178,930 |
| 75th percentile | $209,720 |
| 90th percentile | $223,010 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dentist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dentists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dentists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $208,220 | 90 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $193,760 | 1K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $193,060 | 610 |
| Finance and Insurance | $179,740 | 140 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,970 | 30 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dentist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $200,530 |
| 2023 | $161,010 |
| 2024 | $172,490 |
| 2025 | $178,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $185,610 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $200,530 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $161,010 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $172,490 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $178,930 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $185,610 | $182,267 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $127,540 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $178,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $209,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $223,010 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Dentist ($178,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +42.5% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +30.3% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +25.3% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +20.6% | $103.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | -10.3% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | -24.0% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | -29.8% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | -30.3% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | -30.4% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | -33.8% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | -39.8% | $51.78/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in AR | $106,360 | -40.6% | $51.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for dentists in Arkansas is $178,930 per year, or approximately $86 per hour. This is 1.8% higher than the national average for dentists, making Arkansas a competitive state for dental professionals.
What is the salary range for dentists in Arkansas?
- Dentist salaries in Arkansas range from $99,010 at the lower end to $223,010 at the upper end, depending on experience, specialization, and practice type. This wide range reflects differences in practice locations, patient bases, and individual career progression.
How many dentists work in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 1,210 dentists currently employed in Arkansas, representing a stable professional workforce in the state.
Is the dentist salary in Arkansas higher than the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas dentist salaries are slightly above the national average at $178,930 median annually, which represents a 1.8% increase compared to the national median. This makes Arkansas a favorable location for dental career opportunities relative to other states.