Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Van Buren, AR: $40.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Van Buren, AR runs $40.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Van Buren's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,644 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected dental hygienist hourly pay in Van Buren, AR, is set at $40.58 in 2026. This figure falls significantly short of the national median hourly rate, which is $49.49. For dental hygienists working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a viable income while allowing flexibility in scheduling. It is particularly relevant for per diem dental hygienists, as many positions in settings like general dentistry, pediatrics, and public health clinics can range from entry-level rates of approximately $33.97 to premium rates up to $50.47 for experienced hygienists. The calculation of these hourly rates is derived from annual salary data, providing insight into the earning potential within various practice environments in the area.
About the Van Buren 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) | $33.97 | $271.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.08 | $288.63 |
| Median (P50) | $40.58 | $324.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.58 | $356.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.47 | $403.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Van Buren
Based on $40.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.58/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Van Buren, AR can expect to earn approximately $84,407 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,696. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Van Buren.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Van Buren
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,623.21 | $7,034 | $84,407 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $973.93 | $4,220 | $50,644 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.28 | $2,814 | $33,763 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Van Buren) | $40.58 |
| 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 Van Buren, AR earn a median of $84,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.01% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $90,953.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.58/hr = $50,644/year (purchasing power: $58,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,407/year (purchasing power: $97,131).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$25.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.58/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+68.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Van Buren (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Van Buren grew 53.3% from $25.22/hr (2020) to $38.67/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.58/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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren
For those considering a part-time schedule, working 24 hours a week can yield a different annual income compared to full-time hours. While a full-time hygienist may earn an annual figure close to $84,404 based on a 40-hour week, part-timers will see reduced total earnings. Per diem or locum tenens opportunities might offer a more lucrative option, as temp agencies can pay anywhere from $40 to $60 an hour in various metropolitan regions. In Van Buren, hourly rates might differ significantly based on the employer type; private practices, DSOs, and specialty offices each present varying pay structures and benefits. Some dental hygienists may choose lower-paying jobs that provide health insurance, finding a balance between hourly wage and benefits appealing. When negotiating, it's beneficial to consider factors like job security, potential sign-on bonuses, or an employer’s willingness to align pay with the local cost of living, which sits below the national average.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Van Buren in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Van Buren?
Are dental hygienists in Van Buren paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Van Buren?
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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 Van Buren. 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 Van Buren 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