Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in New Brunswick, NJ: $27.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in New Brunswick, NJ runs $27.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,334 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against New Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,407 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Brunswick, NJ, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $27.57 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $23.84. This elevated hourly rate reflects the diverse responsibilities dental assistants undertake across various clinical environments, from general dentistry operatories to specialized suites for oral surgery and pediatric practices. For part-time workers, such as those on a 3-day workweek schedule, this translates to a substantial income for a role traditionally considered entry-level. The hourly wage spans a range from $20.91 for those just starting out in their careers, to $35.38 for experienced professionals, providing ample opportunity for advancement within the field. Given these estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, dental assistants in New Brunswick can expect a rewarding career in a city where the demand for dental services continues to grow.
About the New Brunswick 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) | $20.91 | $167.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.93 | $199.43 |
| Median (P50) | $27.57 | $220.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.32 | $266.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.38 | $283.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Brunswick
Based on $27.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.57/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Brunswick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $57,344 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,083. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,102.77 | $4,779 | $57,344 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $661.66 | $2,867 | $34,407 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.11 | $1,911 | $22,938 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (New Brunswick) | $27.57 |
| 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 New Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $57,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.64% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.40% above the New Jersey state average of $57,106.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.57/hr = $34,407/year (purchasing power: $29,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,344/year (purchasing power: $49,778).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in New Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in New Brunswick grew 19.9% from $22.29/hr (2019) to $26.73/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.43/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 New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick
Employment dynamics for dental assistants in New Brunswick indicate a variety of ways to earn in this profession. For a 3-day workweek at 24 hours, a dental assistant would bring home about $64,217 annually, providing a competitive living compared to full-time positions. Many professionals opt for per diem roles, which can offer fluctuating rates between $22 to $35, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics earning upwards of $28 to $45 per hour. This variability is further influenced by the type of employer, such as solo practices, group practices, or large chains like Heartland and Aspen Dental, with the latter often providing standardized pay scales that affect how hourly rates are determined. While some assistants may prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits, others choose employment offering health insurance and other perks, creating a balancing act in their career decisions. Negotiating pay effectively is crucial, as understanding the unique salary landscape in New Brunswick can lead to better compensation packages tailored for dental assistants.
More salary data for New Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in New Brunswick in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in New Brunswick?
Are dental assistants in New Brunswick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in New Brunswick?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in New Brunswick?
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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 New Brunswick. 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 New Brunswick 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