Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $26.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Kearny, NJ runs $26.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,158 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, New Jersey, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $26.57, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.84. This difference not only highlights the demand for skilled professionals in this region but also indicates a competitive job market for dental assistants. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this translates to a solid income where earnings can exceed $41,000 annually. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in Kearny varies widely, starting at $22.21 for entry-level positions and reaching as high as $33.84 for top earners. Such rates are typically derived from annual salary figures, reflecting the realities of working in various settings such as general dentistry, pediatrics, orthodontics, and oral surgery.
About the Kearny 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) | $22.21 | $177.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.48 | $203.80 |
| Median (P50) | $26.57 | $212.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.08 | $248.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.84 | $270.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $26.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.57/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $55,263 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,883. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,062.75 | $4,605 | $55,263 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $637.65 | $2,763 | $33,158 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.10 | $1,842 | $22,105 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Kearny) | $26.57 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $55,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.45% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $57,140.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.57/hr = $33,158/year (purchasing power: $28,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,263/year (purchasing power: $47,972).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Kearny grew 19.9% from $21.48/hr (2019) to $25.76/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.40/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
For part-time dental assistants, working 24 hours a week presents an interesting financial scenario versus full-time equivalents. These professionals can expect to take home around $41,000 annually, depending on their specific roles and employer types. The per diem dental assistant pay in Kearny can vary significantly, with typical billing rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for general practices. For specialized fields like oral surgery or orthodontics, hourly rates can soar to between $28 and $45. Employers such as solo practices, DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, or pediatric specialty offices often influence these rates. Additionally, some dental assistants may choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others prioritize higher hourly rates even without employee benefits. When negotiating salaries, it's wise for workers to emphasize their certifications and skills, especially if they hold credentials from organizations like DANB or ADAA, which could justify aiming for the higher end of the hourly pay spectrum in Kearny.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Kearny in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Kearny?
Are dental assistants in Kearny paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Kearny?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kearny?
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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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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