Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Texarkana, AR: $41.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Texarkana, AR runs $41.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,164 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Texarkana's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,705 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Texarkana, Arkansas, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay stands at $41.43 in 2026, significantly lower than the national average of $49.49. This discrepancy reflects various factors, including the local cost of living, which is below the national average at a cost of living index of 86.9. For dental hygienists working part-time—about three days a week—this hourly rate translates to roughly $33,000 annually, impacting their overall earnings and lifestyle. Per-diem opportunities may also be available, where hygienists could work in diverse settings such as public health mobile clinics, general dentistry offices, or specialized practices. Within the Texarkana area, entry-level dental hygienists earn around $33.90 per hour, while experienced professionals at the high end of the compensation scale can earn up to $52.03, a salary range indicative of the career's diverse pathways and job market.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($82,822) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.90 | $271.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.47 | $291.73 |
| Median (P50) | $41.43 | $331.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.54 | $364.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.03 | $416.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Texarkana
Based on $41.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.43/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Texarkana, AR can expect to earn approximately $86,175 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,716. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Texarkana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Texarkana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,657.21 | $7,181 | $86,175 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $994.33 | $4,309 | $51,705 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $662.88 | $2,873 | $34,470 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Texarkana) | $41.43 |
| 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 Texarkana, AR earn a median of $86,164 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.20% below the Arkansas state average of $90,890.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.43/hr = $51,705/year (purchasing power: $59,499).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,175/year (purchasing power: $99,166).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$26.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.43/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+66.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Texarkana (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Texarkana grew 51.0% from $26.14/hr (2020) to $39.48/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.48/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 Texarkana 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 Texarkana
In terms of earnings potential, a part-time dental hygienist working 24 hours per week can see a significant difference in their take-home pay compared to full-time roles. The allure of per diem jobs often includes premium rates, with temp agencies in larger markets compensating hygienists anywhere from $40 to $60 an hour, even higher in coastal cities. In Texarkana, however, hourly rates can vary widely based on employer type, with solo practices typically offering less than large Dental Service Organizations, which might pay more but balance it with varying workloads. Benefits become a key consideration; some hygienists may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other perks provided by full-time positions. Negotiation skills are paramount, especially in a community like Texarkana where dental hygienists should be prepared to make a case for higher pay based on their skills and the added value they bring to different dental practices.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Texarkana in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Texarkana?
Are dental hygienists in Texarkana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Texarkana?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Texarkana?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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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
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 Texarkana. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Texarkana is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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