Dental Assistant Salary in Montclair, NJ: $56,553 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Montclair, NJ earns a median $56,553/year (≈ $27.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Montclair's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $49,091 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary projected at $56,553 in 2026, dental assistants in Montclair, New Jersey, earn notably more than their counterparts across the nation, who average $49,579. The local salary range is expansive, with entry-level positions starting around $44,611 and seasoned professionals earning up to $69,296. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflecting the unique economic landscape in Montclair. The higher earning potential in this area can often be attributed to demand in specialized practices such as oral surgery and orthodontics, which can significantly enhance overall compensation for dental assistants, positioning Montclair as a competitive market for this profession.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,611 | $21.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,589 | $26.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,553 | $27.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,492 | $31.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,296 | $33.31 |
Median Salary Position
14.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montclair
In Montclair, NJ, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,685 (2026 est.). At $56,553, the local median is 14.07% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montclair: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montclair Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Montclair median: $56,553/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montclair Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $57,124 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +14.07% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montclair has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montclair, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,553 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,091 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,717
2025 BLS Actual
$54,831
2026 Current Est.
$56,553
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,717 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,972 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,124 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,751 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,831 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,553 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,328 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montclair metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $45,717 (2019) to $54,831 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,328 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,611 (27.58%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,611 – $54,589 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,589 – $56,553 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,553 – $66,492 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,492 – $69,296 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Montclair
The job market for dental assistants in Montclair features approximately 10 individuals employed in this role, indicating a stable yet specialized workforce. The cost of living index sits at 115.2, which is above the national average and means that the local salaries, while competitive, may be subject to pressure regarding purchasing power. Among different employers, oral surgery practices and orthodontic offices tend to offer the most lucrative positions, reflecting a trend whereby specialty skills yield higher pay. The variation between lower and higher salaries in the area can also be influenced by credentials such as Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), where applicable, and the opportunity for roles that combine dental assisting with patient coordination. Ultimately, those looking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Montclair should consider pursuing certifications through organizations like DANB or ADAA and seek opportunities within group practice settings or DSO chains, which are increasingly shaping the industry compensation standards.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $54,831 for dental assistantsin the Montclair metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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