Healthcare Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Dental Assistant Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median dental assistant salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $48,036 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 5.8% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$48,036
vs State Avg
$-2,976
vs National
+$5,526
Cost of Living
108%

Dental Assistant Pay in Elizabeth: What to Expect (2026)

Elizabeth offers a median dental assistant salary of $48,036, which is $2,976 below the New Jersey state average of $51,012. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Elizabeth spans from $33,900 at the 10th percentile to $67,800 at the 90th percentile — a $33,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,030, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,540. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $35,030, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,540 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,030
+$4,030 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,590
+$5,590 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,540
+$7,540 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $33,900
25th Percentile $39,550
Median (50th) $48,036
75th Percentile $58,760
90th Percentile $67,800

Dental Assistant Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$56,538
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$51,012
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$49,737
Pop. 311,549
Paterson, NJ
$46,761
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Elizabeth

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Elizabeth and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Elizabeth may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open dental assistant positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $48,036 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $33,900 (10th percentile) to $67,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,036, a dental assistant in Elizabeth earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median dental assistant salary of $48,036 is 5.8% below the New Jersey state average of $51,012. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $48,036 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Elizabeth? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Elizabeth require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.