Benton vs Fayetteville: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Benton, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,081 | $91,518▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.83 | $44.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,848▲ | $63,730 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,989 | $89,724▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,518 | $98,224▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,570▲ | $101,005 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Fayetteville is $2,437 (2.74%). Fayetteville's median is -11.10% 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,Fayetteville spans $37,275. Benton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Benton ($102,510 effective) pays 2.32% more than Fayetteville ($100,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,570)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,510)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,518/year)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓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 28.9% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Benton, AR
$55,372 (2020) → $84,888 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$67,670 (2020) → $87,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Benton or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fayetteville as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Benton vs Fayetteville?
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