Average Dental Assistants Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Dental Assistants in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area earn an average annual salary of $41,530. This figure is notably below the national average of $48,760, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower regional demand influence compensation. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants closer examination for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,570.
- Outlook: The Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 920 Dental Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.07, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for dental professionals within the region. The presence of nearly a thousand practitioners suggests a mature job market with consistent opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR earns-14.8%below the national average.
$20
$799
$3,461
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dental Assistant salary growth in Little Rock is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors, increased demand for dental services, and inflation typically contribute to salary increases, suggesting that compensation for Dental Assistants in this region has likely seen modest growth, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and national benchmarks.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or expanded duties can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles reflect the value placed on accumulated knowledge, skill proficiency, and the ability to handle more complex patient care and administrative tasks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,240 | $17.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $31,148 | $15 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $40,210 | $19.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $51,913 | $25 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,570 | $21.9 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,530 for Dental Assistants in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering no distinct advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the stable cost of living ensures that the take-home pay maintains its relative value.
Job Market Context
920
Total Jobs
2.595
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.07, the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average. This suggests a healthy, established market for these professionals, indicating that demand is present and potentially growing at a rate slightly exceeding national trends. While not a drastically concentrated market, the LQ implies a solid job availability for those seeking employment in this field within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $40,350↓ 3% | 17 mi |
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $38,760↓ 7% | 17 mi |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $37,920↓ 9% | 17 mi |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $41,620↑ 0% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Dental Assistants Salary | $38,740↓ 7% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $41,530. This typically ranges from $36,240 for entry-level positions to $45,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 14.8% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the $41,530 average salary is significantly lower than the national average of $48,760, indicating less financial advantage for Dental Assistants in this region.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($40,350) and North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Little Rock Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $41,530, which is below the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The Cost of Living Index for Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Dental Assistants work in the Little Rock area?
There are approximately 920 Dental Assistants employed in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Dental Assistants strong in Little Rock?
The job market is stable with a slight concentration above the national average (LQ of 1.07), suggesting consistent demand and availability of positions for Dental Assistants in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area with a job density of 2.595 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR