Fort Smith vs Van Buren: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,653▲ | $84,404 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.63▲ | $40.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,278 | $70,659▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,424▲ | $75,052 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,993▲ | $92,727 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,156 | $104,973▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Van Buren is $4,249 (5.03%). Fort Smith's median is -13.88% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $42,878,Van Buren spans $34,314. Fort Smith 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, Fort Smith ($103,219 effective) pays 6.27% 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 Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,653/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,219)
- ✓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 Fort Smith grew 9.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 53.3% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$77,050 (2020) → $84,480 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$52,465 (2020) → $80,431 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Fort Smith or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Van Buren as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Fort Smith 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