Fayetteville vs Little Rock: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,518 | $93,565▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.00 | $44.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,730 | $87,310▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,724▲ | $89,283 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,224▲ | $96,503 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,005▲ | $100,984 |
| Total Employed | 410 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Little Rock is $2,047 (2.24%). 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 Fayetteville spans $37,275,Little Rock spans $13,674. Fayetteville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($104,701 effective) pays 4.51% more than Fayetteville ($100,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,005)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Fayetteville grew 28.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 117.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$67,670 (2020) → $87,210 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$41,060 (2020) → $89,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Fayetteville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Little Rock as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Fayetteville vs Little Rock?
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