Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $27.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Paterson, NJ runs $27.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,076 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,239 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Paterson, New Jersey, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.44, which is significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This advantageous hourly pay opens up various opportunities for both full-time and part-time workers. A dental assistant working three days a week could find a flexible schedule with earnings ranging from $21.49 for entry-level positions to $36.40 for highly experienced assistants in specialized roles. Typical work environments include general dentistry office settings, pediatric clinics, and oral surgery suites, where these professionals contribute to patient care and office efficiency. It’s important to note that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary estimates for 2026, reflecting the competitive landscape for dental assistants in this region.
About the Paterson 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) | $21.49 | $171.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.40 | $203.23 |
| Median (P50) | $27.44 | $219.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.31 | $274.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.40 | $291.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $27.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.44/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $57,065 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,922. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,097.41 | $4,755 | $57,065 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $658.45 | $2,853 | $34,239 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $438.96 | $1,902 | $22,826 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Paterson) | $27.44 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $57,076 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $57,133.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.44/hr = $34,239/year (purchasing power: $29,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,065/year (purchasing power: $49,536).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Paterson grew 19.9% from $22.18/hr (2019) to $26.60/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.30/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
For those interested in part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week can earn a substantial income, although it may not match that of full-time counterparts. Per diem dental assistant pay in Paterson generally ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics often seeing rates between $28 and $45. Various employer types in Paterson, including solo practices and larger dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen, yield different hourly wage standards, often affecting benefits packages offered. Some professionals may choose lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance and other perks, while others operate as temp dental assistants through agencies for flexibility. Negotiating hourly rates can be straightforward; emphasizing specialized skills or certifications, such as DANB credentials, can help secure better pay, making it essential for aspiring dental assistants to stay informed about the local job market conditions.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Paterson in 2026?
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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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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