Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Hot Springs, AR: $41.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Hot Springs, AR runs $41.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,069 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Hot Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,242 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For dental hygienists in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the 2026 median hourly pay is projected at $41.86. This figure falls below the national median hourly rate of $49.49, which reflects the local cost of living and the general economic conditions in the region. For those considering part-time work, a hygienist scheduled for three days a week could still see a significant income, particularly working in various settings like general dentistry operatories or public health clinics. The hourly rate for entry-level positions starts at approximately $28.42, while top earners can make as much as $52.38, providing a range that accommodates both newcomers to the profession and experienced practitioners. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.42 | $227.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.37 | $314.99 |
| Median (P50) | $41.86 | $334.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.51 | $372.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.38 | $419.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hot Springs
Based on $41.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.86/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hot Springs, AR can expect to earn approximately $87,070 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,233. With a cost-of-living index of 85.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hot Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hot Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,674.42 | $7,256 | $87,070 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,004.65 | $4,353 | $52,242 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.77 | $2,902 | $34,828 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Hot Springs) | $41.86 |
| 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 Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $87,069 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.42% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.20% below the Arkansas state average of $90,886.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.86/hr = $52,242/year (purchasing power: $60,938).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,070/year (purchasing power: $101,563).
CoL index: 85.73 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$26.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.86/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+65.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Hot Springs (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Hot Springs grew 50.0% from $26.60/hr (2020) to $39.89/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.93/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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs
A part-time dental hygienist, for example, working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $52,003 annually before taxes, which can provide a comfortable living depending on individual circumstances. For those choosing the per diem route, the pay typically falls between $40 to $60 per hour, yet can vary based on the employer type—solo practices may offer lower rates compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which are increasingly popular in Hot Springs. Some hygienists opt for lower hourly wages that come with health insurance benefits instead of going for higher pay without benefits. This decision often balances immediate financial needs with long-term healthcare considerations. When negotiating hourly wages, especially in a market influenced by DSO consolidation, it's essential to assess the entire compensation package, including non-monetary benefits, to ensure a favorable arrangement that aligns with career goals.
More salary data for Hot Springs, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Hot Springs in 2026?
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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
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 Hot Springs. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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