Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Union, NJ: $27.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Union, NJ runs $27.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Union's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,600 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union, New Jersey, dental assistants earn an estimated median hourly rate of $27.72, significantly surpassing the national median of $23.84. This competitive pay opens doors for both full-time and part-time positions within various settings, including general dentistry operatory rooms and specialty practices like orthodontics and oral surgery. For those considering part-time work at three days per week, the hourly compensation allows for substantial earnings while maintaining flexibility. The pay for entry-level dental assistants starts at approximately $21.16 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $34.96 per hour, demonstrating a notable income potential across experience levels in the Union area.
About the Union 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) | $21.16 | $169.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.26 | $202.07 |
| Median (P50) | $27.72 | $221.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.06 | $264.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.96 | $279.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union
Based on $27.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.72/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union, NJ can expect to earn approximately $57,666 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,269. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,108.96 | $4,805 | $57,666 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.38 | $2,883 | $34,600 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.58 | $1,922 | $23,066 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Union) | $27.72 |
| 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 Union, NJ earn a median of $57,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $57,089.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.72/hr = $34,600/year (purchasing power: $30,034).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,666/year (purchasing power: $50,057).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Union grew 19.9% from $22.41/hr (2019) to $26.88/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.59/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 Union 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 Union
Focusing on part-time employment, a dental assistant working 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $34,680 annually, a figure that varies when compared to full-time earnings. Per diem dental assistant pay in Union typically ranges from $22 to $35 hourly, while specialized positions in oral surgery or orthodontics can command between $28 and $45 hourly. This flexibility is often why dental assistants opt for per diem roles, especially through agencies that connect them with temporary shifts across various facilities. The differences in pay can reflect the type of employer, as general practices, specialty offices, and dental chains like Heartland or Aspen Dental may offer varied compensation packages. While some assistants may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others prioritize higher wages without those perks. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s advisable for dental assistants in Union to emphasize their credentials and the demand for their skills, given the ongoing consolidation in the industry and the varying pay scales influenced by expanded function authority and professional certifications.
More salary data for Union, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Union in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Union?
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Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Union?
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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 Union. 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 Union 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