Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $44.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in North Little Rock, AR runs $44.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,183 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,307 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in North Little Rock, Arkansas is projected to be $44.32. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.49, reflecting the regional variations in demand and cost of living. For dental hygienists seeking part-time opportunities, such as those working three days a week, this hourly pay can translate into a comfortable income while allowing for flexibility. Per-diem dental hygienist roles, common in various settings including general dentistry operatories, specialty suites for periodontal care, and pediatric offices, can also offer differing pay scales, generally starting at $34.54 and reaching up to $58.44. As the profession continues to evolve, the hour-to-hour earnings reflect both entry-level positions and those occupied by highly experienced practitioners.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($82,822) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.54 | $276.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.09 | $304.75 |
| Median (P50) | $44.32 | $354.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.10 | $400.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.44 | $467.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $44.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.32/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $92,178 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,179. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,772.65 | $7,681 | $92,178 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,063.59 | $4,609 | $55,307 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $709.06 | $3,073 | $36,871 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (North Little Rock) | $44.32 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $92,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.45% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.40% above the Arkansas state average of $90,911.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.32/hr = $55,307/year (purchasing power: $63,644).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,178/year (purchasing power: $106,073).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.32/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+75.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in North Little Rock (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in North Little Rock grew 59.3% from $26.51/hr (2020) to $42.23/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.51/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in North Little Rock
Exploring the earning potential for part-time dental hygienists in North Little Rock reveals that a three-day work week could yield an annual take-home income of approximately $55,020. In contrast, full-time professionals would see a significantly higher figure. Many dental hygienists opt for per diem or temp agency work, where pay ranges between $40 and $60 an hour, with higher compensation seen in more expensive metropolitan areas. The nature of employment greatly influences hourly rates; solo practices might offer different pay structures compared to multi-doctor settings or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen. While some may accept lower hourly rates for the benefit of health insurance offered by larger employers, others might favor the flexibility of higher hourly pay without benefits. When negotiating pay in an area like North Little Rock, it's prudent to understand local standards and leverage one's qualifications and experience to advocate for a better hourly rate.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in North Little Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in North Little Rock?
Are dental hygienists in North Little Rock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in North Little Rock?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in North Little Rock?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in North Little Rock. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov