Dental Hygienist Salary in Russellville, AR: $87,882 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Russellville, AR earns a median $87,882/year (≈ $42.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Russellville's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $101,130 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienist salary in Russellville, Arkansas, is projected to be $87,882 annually, translating to a median hourly wage of $42.25. This figure positions local dental hygienists notably below the national average, which stands at $102,946, reflecting a difference of approximately 14.63%. Salaries locally range from $72,582 at the 10th percentile to $111,190 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential in the region. Adjusting for Russellville's cost of living index, which is measured at 86.9—indicating costs are lower than average—provides a more favorable perspective on this compensation. The projected salary figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, coupled with local economic conditions, suggest that while dental hygienist pay in Russellville may not compete nationally, the adjusted purchasing power offers some stability for professionals in the area.
About the Russellville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($82,822) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,582 | $34.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,877 | $37.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,882 | $42.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,104 | $46.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,190 | $53.46 |
Median Salary Position
14.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Russellville
In Russellville, AR, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,608 (2026 est.). At $87,882, the local median is 14.63% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Russellville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Russellville Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Russellville median: $87,882/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Russellville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $90,975 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -14.63% less |
Dental Hygienists in Russellville, AR earn a median of $87,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.63% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.40% below the Arkansas state average of $90,975.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Russellville has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Russellville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental hygienist earning $87,882 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,130 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2020 BLS Actual
$54,627
2025 BLS Actual
$83,745
2026 Current Est.
$87,882
2020–2027 Growth
+68.8%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Russellville (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $54,627 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,471 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,274 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,137 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,216 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,745 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,882 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,223 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Russellville metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 53.3% from $54,627 (2020) to $83,745 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,223 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,596 (68.82%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Russellville 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,582 – $77,877 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,877 – $87,882 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,882 – $97,104 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,104 – $111,190 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Russellville
Examining the job market, only six dental hygienists are currently employed in Russellville, which could suggest a limited but potentially stable work environment. The lower cost of living in the area directly impacts the effective purchasing power of take-home pay, allowing dental hygienists to potentially stretch their earnings further than they would in higher-cost areas. Multi-doctor group practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) are typically among the highest-paying employers due to their structured pay scales and offered benefits, compared to solo practices that may lack comprehensive health coverage. The variance in income is influenced by factors such as production-based bonuses and the hours worked per week. For those seeking to maximize their dental hygienist pay in Russellville AR, pursuing employment with DSOs or negotiating contracts that include incentives for patient retention could be effective strategies. Additionally, balancing part-time hours with flexible scheduling may enhance both income and quality of life in this market.
More salary data for Russellville, AR: