Fort Smith vs Jonesboro: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,653 | $90,931▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.63 | $43.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,278 | $61,841▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,424 | $86,261▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,993 | $100,501▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,156 | $109,138▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jonesboro is $2,278 (2.57%). Jonesboro's median is -11.67% 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,Jonesboro spans $47,297. Jonesboro 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, Jonesboro ($105,886 effective) pays 2.58% more than Fort Smith ($103,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,931/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,138)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,886)
- ✓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 15.3% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$77,050 (2020) → $84,480 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$75,160 (2020) → $86,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Fort Smith or Jonesboro?
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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
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