Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Montclair, NJ: $27.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Montclair, NJ runs $27.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,553 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Montclair's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,930 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Montclair, NJ, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.19, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive pay reflects the region's cost of living, which is above average, allowing dental professionals to enjoy a better standard of living compared to many parts of the country. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this rate can enhance income significantly, making it feasible to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments. The hourly range for this role goes from approximately $21.44 for entry-level positions to around $33.31 for top earners in various settings, including general dental practices, pediatrics, and orthodontics. Such flexibility in working hours creates opportunities for per-diem positions, where dental assistants can work in diverse environments, providing substantial earning potential on an as-needed basis.
About the Montclair 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) | $21.44 | $171.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.25 | $209.99 |
| Median (P50) | $27.19 | $217.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.96 | $255.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.31 | $266.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montclair
Based on $27.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.19/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montclair, NJ can expect to earn approximately $56,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,625. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montclair.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montclair
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,087.51 | $4,713 | $56,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $652.50 | $2,828 | $33,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $435.00 | $1,885 | $22,620 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Montclair) | $27.19 |
| 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 Montclair, NJ earn a median of $56,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.07% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $57,124.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.19/hr = $33,930/year (purchasing power: $29,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,550/year (purchasing power: $49,089).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Montclair grew 19.9% from $21.98/hr (2019) to $26.36/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.04/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 Montclair 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 Montclair
Focusing on the realities of part-time and per-diem work, a dental assistant in Montclair taking home roughly 24 hours a week can achieve an annual income of around $33,900, compared to a full-time colleague who could earn about $56,553. In the realm of per-diem positions, billing rates typically range from $22 to $35 per hour, while specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command even higher pay of $28 to $45 per hour. This dynamic offers dental assistants flexibility as they navigate agency opportunities or locum tenens roles. The pay rates vary significantly across employer types; solo practices may offer less than larger dental service organizations, which often standardize higher wage baselines. Yet, some may consider lower hourly wages if benefitting from health benefits, highlighting the trade-offs between salary and perks. A practical tip for negotiating hourly wages is to research current rates within the community and present one's experience and certifications, such as credentials from DANB or EFDA, to bolster pay discussions.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Montclair in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Montclair?
Are dental assistants in Montclair paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Montclair?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Montclair?
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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 Montclair. 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 Montclair 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