Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $43.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Jonesboro, AR runs $43.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,931 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,560 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jonesboro, Arkansas, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $43.72, which is below the national median of $49.49. This difference can significantly impact those working part-time or on a per-diem basis in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, periodontal suites, pediatric exam rooms, and public health mobile clinics. For dental hygienists seeking flexibility, working three days a week can provide a consistent income while accommodating lifestyle needs. The hourly pay range for hygienists in this city spans from $29.73 for entry-level positions to $52.47 for the more experienced and specialized practitioners, reflecting the diverse levels of experience and the type of practice in which one is employed. These figures are projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, intended to guide aspiring hygienists in understanding the local job market.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.73 | $237.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.47 | $331.78 |
| Median (P50) | $43.72 | $349.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.31 | $386.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.47 | $419.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $43.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.72/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $90,933 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,462. With a cost-of-living index of 85.88 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,748.72 | $7,578 | $90,933 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,049.23 | $4,547 | $54,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $699.49 | $3,031 | $36,373 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Jonesboro) | $43.72 |
| 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 Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $90,931 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.67% lower than the national median of $102,946.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.72/hr = $54,560/year (purchasing power: $63,534).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,933/year (purchasing power: $105,889).
CoL index: 85.876 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.72/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+27.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Jonesboro (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Jonesboro grew 15.3% from $36.13/hr (2020) to $41.66/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.88/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 Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro
Considering a part-time schedule, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $68,441 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time counterpart. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Jonesboro often fluctuates, with temp agencies typically offering hourly rates of $40 to $60. However, larger metropolitan areas tend to push these rates significantly higher, occasionally reaching up to $85 per hour. In Jonesboro, earnings can vary greatly depending on the practice type—solo dental offices may offer different pay structures compared to large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen. While some hygienists might opt for lower rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others prioritize higher hourly wages with no benefits. For those negotiating pay, it’s crucial to understand local market conditions and to assess personal needs, ensuring an equitable compensation package aligned with their professional goals.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Jonesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Jonesboro?
Are dental hygienists in Jonesboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Jonesboro?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Jonesboro?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Jonesboro. 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