Kearny vs Vineland: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Kearny, NJ and Vineland, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kearny, NJ | Vineland, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,254▲ | $50,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.57▲ | $24.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,183▲ | $39,750 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,985▲ | $46,475 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,647▲ | $59,656 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,380▲ | $61,853 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Kearny, NJ offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Vineland.
The salary gap between Kearny and Vineland is $4,932 (9.80%). Kearny's median is +11.45% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearny spans $24,197,Vineland spans $22,103. Kearny 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, Vineland ($52,436 effective) pays 9.33% more than Kearny ($47,964 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearny if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,254/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,380)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Vineland if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,436)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Kearny grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.8% growth in Vineland over the same period.
Kearny, NJ
$53,493 (2024) → $53,572 (2025)
Vineland, NJ
$49,680 (2019) → $48,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearny, NJ
Vineland, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Kearny or Vineland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearny and Vineland?
Should I relocate from Kearny to Vineland as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Kearny vs Vineland?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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 Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov