Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Middletown, NJ: $27.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Middletown, NJ runs $27.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,230 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,737 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Middletown, NJ, can expect a median hourly pay of $27.03, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $23.84. This higher hourly rate is reflective of local demand and the cost of living index in the area, which stands at 115.2, above the national average. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, or per-diem roles which are common in settings like general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms, the compensation model can be quite appealing. The hourly range for dental assistants in Middletown spans from $21.82 for entry-level positions to $33.72 for seasoned professionals, providing ample opportunity for those looking to balance work commitments with other life pursuits. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected for 2026, addressing the pay structure in this dental field.
About the Middletown 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) | $21.82 | $174.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.43 | $203.47 |
| Median (P50) | $27.03 | $216.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.01 | $256.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.72 | $269.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $27.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.03/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, NJ can expect to earn approximately $56,229 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,440. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,081.32 | $4,686 | $56,229 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $648.79 | $2,811 | $33,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $432.53 | $1,874 | $22,491 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Middletown) | $27.03 |
| 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 Middletown, NJ earn a median of $56,230 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.41% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.60% below the New Jersey state average of $57,144.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.03/hr = $33,737/year (purchasing power: $29,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,229/year (purchasing power: $48,810).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Middletown grew 19.9% from $21.85/hr (2019) to $26.21/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.88/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Examining potential earnings, a dental assistant working part-time at 24 hours per week could bring home approximately $33,686 annually, significantly lower than a full-time salary but ideal for those seeking to avoid the commitment of a full schedule. Per diem dental assistants in Middletown often command billing rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour across various settings, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics sometimes reaching $28 to $45 per hour. Hiring practices vary greatly among employers; solo, group, and DSO (Dental Support Organization) practices like Heartland and Aspen may offer differing hourly compensation based on their standards and benefits packages. Factors like health insurance and patient volume can influence negotiations, often leading assistants to opt for a slightly lower hourly wage in exchange for job security and benefits. For those engaged in discussions about compensation, being informed about the local market trends, employer offerings, and the value of their expanded function qualifications as recognized by entities like the DANB could yield advantageous results.
More salary data for Middletown, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Middletown?
Are dental assistants in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Middletown?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Middletown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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