Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Camden, NJ: $23.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Camden, NJ runs $23.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,905 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Camden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,940 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camden, New Jersey, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $23.99, slightly higher than the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time roles in various dental settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this equates to approximately $1,920 in gross income per month, which can serve as a crucial supplement for those enrolled in education or seeking flexible schedules. Entry-level dental assistants might start at $18.66 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $31.38 per hour, reflecting a broad range based on experience, skills, and the specific demands of their workplace environment.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.66 | $149.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.05 | $176.41 |
| Median (P50) | $23.99 | $191.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.36 | $234.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.38 | $251.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Camden
Based on $23.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.99/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Camden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $49,900 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,788. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Camden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Camden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $959.61 | $4,158 | $49,900 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.77 | $2,495 | $29,940 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.85 | $1,663 | $19,960 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Camden) | $23.99 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Camden, NJ earn a median of $49,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.66% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 12.60% below the New Jersey state average of $57,100.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.99/hr = $29,940/year (purchasing power: $25,990).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,900/year (purchasing power: $43,316).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Camden grew 19.9% from $19.39/hr (2019) to $23.26/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.74/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camden 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 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Camden
Beyond standard employment, the landscape for per diem dental assistant pay in Camden reveals additional earning opportunities and variations. Per diem dental assistants typically bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics often earning between $28 and $45 per hour. Many assistants choose to work on a per diem basis through agencies like Cloud Dentistry or GoTu, allowing them to fill in at multiple practices while optimizing their schedules. It's essential to note that the hourly pay can fluctuate based on the type of employer; for instance, general dental practices and larger dental service organizations might maintain structured pay scales that differ from specialty offices and dental school clinics. Compensations may vary significantly, and some dental assistants might opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, illustrating the ongoing trade-offs in this profession. When negotiating hourly pay, candidates should emphasize any specialized training or certification, such as DANB credentials, to better position themselves in this competitive market.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Camden in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Camden?
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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
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 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Camden. 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 Camden 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 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov