What the numbers say
Dental Hygienists in Arkansas earned a median annual wage of $83,760 in 2024, about 11% below the US median of $94,162. That gap is real, but it narrows considerably once you account for Arkansas's lower cost of living.
Arkansas's overall price level runs about 12% below the national average. In purchasing terms, that $83,760 stretches closer to $94,900 in national-baseline dollars. On that measure, Arkansas hygienists roughly match what their peers earn in higher-cost states.
The pay range here is fairly tight by national standards. The 10th percentile came in at $56,430 in 2024, the 90th at $101,250. Top earners made about 1.8 times what those starting out earned. Most of the range clusters in the middle: the 25th percentile was $79,470 and the 75th was $95,260, a $15,800 gap. That compression suggests most positions in Arkansas pay within a predictable band, with relatively few outlier roles pulling wages sharply higher or lower.
Total employment was 1,790 in 2024, which is a small workforce. BLS projects 7% growth for this occupation nationally between 2024 and 2034, a rate classified as faster than average. Arkansas-specific projection data was not available in this release, so we are using the national figure as a reference point only.
Salary distribution
Where Arkansas dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $79,470 and $95,260, with a median of $83,760.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Arkansas
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Arkansas over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record and review patient medical histories.
- 02
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- 03
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- 04
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- 05
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- 06
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- 07
Expose and develop x-ray film.
- 08
Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Arkansas?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Arkansas is $83,760.
- How does Arkansas compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Arkansas median is -11.0% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Arkansas?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $56,430 and the 90th-percentile at $101,250, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Dental Hygienists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Dental Hygienists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.