Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,653 | $93,565▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.63 | $44.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,278 | $87,310▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,424 | $89,283▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,993▲ | $96,503 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,156▲ | $100,984 |
| Total Employed | 150 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $4,912 (5.54%). Little Rock's median is -9.11% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $42,878,Little Rock spans $13,674. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($104,701 effective) pays 1.44% more than Fort Smith ($103,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,156)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,565/year)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,701)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Fort Smith grew 9.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 117.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$77,050 (2020) → $84,480 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$41,060 (2020) → $89,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov