Average Dental Assistants Salary in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
In the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, Dental Assistants can expect an average annual salary of $38,760. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $48,760, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand-supply dynamic for dental support professionals. The cost of living in this region aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,190.
- Outlook: The North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 280 Dental Assistants, with 2.344 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates that the concentration of Dental Assistants in this region is very close to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these professionals, implying a consistent job market without extreme volatility.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-20.5%below the national average.
$18.6
$745
$3,230
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for North Arkansas Dental Assistant salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving healthcare demands typically drive modest salary increases for allied health professionals over time. Therefore, Dental Assistants in this region likely have experienced incremental gains in their earning potential.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Dental Assistants in North Arkansas typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or expanded duties can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior Dental Assistants signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the region.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,320 | $14.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,070 | $14 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,570 | $17.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $48,450 | $23.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,190 | $21.7 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,760 in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with a Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by Dental Assistants in this region has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the stable cost of living suggests that the real value of this income is maintained relative to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
2.344
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.96x the national average concentration of Dental Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market for Dental Assistants in North Arkansas is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the number of Dental Assistants is neither significantly oversupplied nor undersupplied relative to the general workforce. While not a hotbed of exceptionally high demand, this suggests a steady and competitive environment for those seeking employment in this role.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Dental Assistants Salary | $41,530↑ 7% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Dental Assistants Salary | $38,740↓ 0% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $38,760. This typically ranges from $29,320 for entry-level positions to $45,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 20.5% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $38,760 is below the national average of $48,760, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates that while the purchasing power is stable, the overall earning potential is lower.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($41,530) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the cost of living in North Arkansas compare to the national average for Dental Assistants?
The cost of living in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average (Index of 100), meaning that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary here is comparable to the national average, despite the lower nominal wage.
What is the job concentration for Dental Assistants in North Arkansas?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.96, which is very close to the national average of 1.0. This suggests a stable and balanced job market for Dental Assistants in the region.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in North Arkansas?
There are approximately 280 Dental Assistants employed in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, representing 2.344 jobs per 1,000 workers in the region.
Can Dental Assistants expect salary increases with experience in North Arkansas?
Yes, typically Dental Assistants can expect their salaries to increase with experience and the acquisition of advanced skills, with noticeable pay gaps between entry-level and senior positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.344 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 North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area