Dental Assistant Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $57,639 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $57,639/year (≈ $27.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $50,034 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual dental assistant salary in Elizabeth, NJ, set at $57,639 for 2026, those in this role can anticipate a thriving job market that offers competitive compensation. The salary range stretches from $45,808 at the bottom 10% to $77,607 at the top 90%, showcasing the potential for growth depending on specialization and experience. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect the city's dynamics where associated specialties such as orthodontics and oral surgery can lead to higher earning potentials. Given this context, dental assistants in Elizabeth have significant opportunities to enhance their income, particularly in practices that prioritize specialized care.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,808 | $22.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,026 | $25.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,639 | $27.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,478 | $34.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,607 | $37.31 |
Median Salary Position
16.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,799 (2026 est.). At $57,639, the local median is 16.26% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $57,639/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $57,125 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +16.26% more |
Dental Assistants in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $57,639 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.26% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $57,125.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,639 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,034 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,595
2025 BLS Actual
$55,884
2026 Current Est.
$57,639
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,874 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,105 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,884 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,639 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,449 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $46,595 (2019) to $55,884 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,449 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,854 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $45,808 – $54,026 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,026 – $57,639 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,639 – $71,478 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,478 – $77,607 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Elizabeth
The local job market for dental assistants in Elizabeth is relatively stable, with approximately 25 professionals currently employed in the area. However, those looking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Elizabeth, NJ, should consider the relatively high cost of living reflected in the area's cost of living index of 115.2. This index indicates that while salaries are competitive, expenses can quickly consume a sizable portion of income. Employers across general dental practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics vary significantly in their compensation, with orthodontic and oral surgery practices often providing the highest pay. Factors influencing salary differences include specialty focus, additional credentials like EFDA status, and roles that merge responsibilities, such as treatment coordinators. To effectively boost earnings, dental assistants may benefit from further training and seeking opportunities within expanding DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen, which are increasingly reshaping the job market.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Elizabeth, NJ 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
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 $55,884 for dental assistantsin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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