Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in East Orange, NJ: $27.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in East Orange, NJ runs $27.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,904 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against East Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,741 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Orange, NJ, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $27.84, placing them significantly above the national median of $23.84. This competitive pay reflects the high demand for dental professionals in the area and the diverse working environments they inhabit, including general dentistry practices, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery facilities. For part-time workers or those seeking per diem positions, this hourly wage translates into viable earnings, particularly for shifts spanning three days a week. The hourly pay ranges from $21.57 for entry-level positions to $35.35 for experienced dental assistants, highlighting the diverse economic opportunities in East Orange's dental sector based on skill level and specialty.
About the East Orange 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) | $21.57 | $172.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.91 | $199.27 |
| Median (P50) | $27.84 | $222.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.35 | $266.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.35 | $282.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Orange
Based on $27.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.84/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Orange, NJ can expect to earn approximately $57,902 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,405. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,113.50 | $4,825 | $57,902 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $668.10 | $2,895 | $34,741 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.40 | $1,930 | $23,161 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (East Orange) | $27.84 |
| 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 East Orange, NJ earn a median of $57,904 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $57,104.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.84/hr = $34,741/year (purchasing power: $30,157).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,902/year (purchasing power: $50,262).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in East Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in East Orange grew 19.9% from $22.50/hr (2019) to $26.99/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.71/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 East Orange 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 East Orange
Considering the part-time earning potential, a dental assistant working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, can expect to earn around $55,000 annually if working consistent shifts at the median hourly rate. Per diem dental assistant pay in East Orange typically varies between $22 and $35 per hour, depending on the type of practice and geographical factors. Specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command even higher per diem rates, ranging from $28 to $45. Hourly pay differs across various dental settings such as general practices, specialty offices, and educational clinics, reflecting differences in employer size and patient volume. While some dental assistants may choose to accept lower hourly wages for the benefits that come with full-time positions, others may prefer the flexibility and potentially higher earnings associated with temporary or agency work. Negotiating hourly rates can be pivotal for job seekers; familiarity with market rates and demonstrating specialized skills or certifications can provide leverage during discussions with potential employers in East Orange.
More salary data for East Orange, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in East Orange 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 East Orange. 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 East Orange 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