Little Rock vs Van Buren: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,565▲ | $84,404 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.99▲ | $40.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,310▲ | $70,659 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,283▲ | $75,052 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,503▲ | $92,727 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,984 | $104,973▲ |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Van Buren is $9,161 (10.85%). 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 Little Rock spans $13,674,Van Buren spans $34,314. Van Buren has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($104,701 effective) pays 7.80% more than Van Buren ($97,128 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,973)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Little Rock grew 117.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 53.3% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$41,060 (2020) → $89,160 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$52,465 (2020) → $80,431 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Little Rock or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Van Buren as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Little Rock vs Van Buren?
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