Healthcare New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in New Jersey

The median dental assistant salary in New Jersey is $51,012 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$51,012
vs National
+$8,502
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Dental Assistant Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,600 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,200
+$6,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,600
+$8,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,600
+$11,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $36,000
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $51,012
75th Percentile $62,400
90th Percentile $72,000

Dental Assistant Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Newark, NJ
$49,737
Pop. 311,549 · COL 112%
Jersey City, NJ
$56,538
Pop. 292,449 · COL 128%
Paterson, NJ
$46,761
Pop. 159,732 · COL 105%
Elizabeth, NJ
$48,036
Pop. 137,298 · COL 108%
Edison, NJ
$51,012
Pop. 107,588 · COL 115%

How to Become a Dental Assistant in New Jersey

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in New Jersey

Browse open dental assistant positions in New Jersey:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Dental Assistant make in New Jersey? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in New Jersey is $51,012 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $36,000 (10th percentile) to $72,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,012, a dental assistant in New Jersey earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for dental assistants? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $37,200, while senior professionals earn $69,600.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. New Jersey's median of $51,012 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($54,838) and New York ($53,988).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in New Jersey earns approximately $37,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,600.
What city in New Jersey pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for dental assistants, with a median salary of $56,538. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.