Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $24.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Newark, NJ runs $24.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,025 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,017 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, NJ, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be an attractive $24.05 in 2026, notably surpassing the national median of $23.84. This competitive pay reflects well on both full-time and part-time dental assistants, with those working just three days a week earning a commendable income for their services. Per-diem workers also stand to benefit from this favorable compensation structure, typically earning between $16.91 and $33.45 an hour based on their experience and the specialization in which they work. Dental assistants in various settings, including general dentistry and pediatric offices, find that the hourly wages allow for flexibility and can adapt to the different demands of their unique work environments.
About the Newark 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) | $16.91 | $135.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.29 | $178.31 |
| Median (P50) | $24.05 | $192.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.33 | $242.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.45 | $267.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $24.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $50,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,863. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.09 | $4,169 | $50,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.25 | $2,501 | $30,017 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.84 | $1,668 | $20,011 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Newark) | $24.05 |
| 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 Newark, NJ earn a median of $50,025 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 12.40% below the New Jersey state average of $57,106.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.05/hr = $30,017/year (purchasing power: $26,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,029/year (purchasing power: $43,428).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Newark grew 19.9% from $19.44/hr (2019) to $23.32/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.81/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 Newark 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 Newark
Analyzing the overall earning potential for part-time dental assistants, those who work 24 hours per week can still take home a substantial income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Newark varies widely, with typical billing rates falling between $22 and $35 per hour. In specialized settings, such as oral surgery or orthodontics, hourly rates can jump to $28-$45. Employers, including sizable DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, as well as individual practices, affect pay scales significantly. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly pay when it comes with benefits, while others chase the higher rates with fewer perks. Negotiation skills are vital; having a clear understanding of the prevailing rates and being willing to discuss responsibilities and benefits can greatly enhance a dental assistant's overall compensation in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Newark in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Newark?
Are dental assistants in Newark paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Newark?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Newark?
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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 Newark. 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 Newark 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