Benton vs Fort Smith: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Benton, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,081▲ | $88,653 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.83▲ | $42.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,848▲ | $60,278 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,989 | $84,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,518 | $97,993▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,570▲ | $103,156 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Benton, AR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Benton and Fort Smith is $428 (0.48%). Benton's median is -13.47% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $41,722,Fort Smith spans $42,878. Fort Smith 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, Fort Smith ($103,219 effective) pays 0.69% more than Benton ($102,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,081/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,570)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,219)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Benton grew 53.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Benton, AR
$55,372 (2020) → $84,888 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$77,050 (2020) → $84,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Benton or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fort Smith as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Benton vs Fort Smith?
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