Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Linden, NJ: $26.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Linden, NJ runs $26.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Linden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,557 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Linden, NJ will see a median hourly pay of $26.89, well above the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly wage allows those working part-time, such as three days per week, to earn a decent income while balancing personal commitments. Per-diem dental assistants, who fill in as needed across various settings like general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and oral surgery suites, can expect rates that generally fall between $20.81 and $33.23 per hour depending on experience and specialty. The broad hourly range reflects not only entry-level positions but also top earners who may work in specialized environments such as orthodontic practices or periodontal surgical suites, where the demand for skilled assistance often commands higher wages.
About the Linden 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) | $20.81 | $166.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.54 | $196.30 |
| Median (P50) | $26.89 | $215.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.87 | $254.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.23 | $265.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Linden
Based on $26.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.89/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Linden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $55,928 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,266. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Linden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Linden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,075.54 | $4,661 | $55,928 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.33 | $2,796 | $33,557 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.22 | $1,864 | $22,371 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Linden) | $26.89 |
| 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 Linden, NJ earn a median of $55,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.79% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $57,118.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.89/hr = $33,557/year (purchasing power: $29,129).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,928/year (purchasing power: $48,549).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Linden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Linden grew 19.9% from $21.74/hr (2019) to $26.07/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.73/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 Linden 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 Linden
Evaluating the financial landscape for part-time and per-diem dental assistants in Linden reveals interesting dynamics. For those working on a part-time basis of 24 hours per week, annual take-home pay can be significantly lower compared to full-time colleagues, suggesting a trade-off that many must consider. Per-diem roles may vary widely; some dental assistants are able to command anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, particularly in oral surgery and orthodontic settings, with top-tier specialty positions reaching $28 to $45 per hour. Additionally, employment across different types of practices—ranging from solo offices to corporate-owned DSOs—can lead to variances in pay. Some dental assistants may choose a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can be an attractive option. To maximize earning potential, negotiating factors such as flexible schedules or enhanced benefits can be advantageous for those seeking a higher dental assistant hourly rate in NJ.
More salary data for Linden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Linden. 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 Linden 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