Healthcare Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Dental Hygienist Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median dental hygienist salary in Paterson, NJ is $89,540 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 8.3% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$89,540
vs State Avg
$-8,140
vs National
+$8,140
Cost of Living
105%

Dental Hygienist Pay in Paterson: What to Expect (2026)

Paterson offers a median dental hygienist salary of $89,540, which is $8,140 below the New Jersey state average of $97,680. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 hygienists in Paterson spans from $64,020 at the 10th percentile to $119,020 at the 90th percentile — a $55,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,500, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,500. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $60,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,500
+$5,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,000
+$8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,500
+$10,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $64,020
25th Percentile $74,360
Median (50th) $89,540
75th Percentile $107,800
90th Percentile $119,020

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$108,262
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$97,680
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$95,238
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$91,982
Pop. 137,298

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Paterson

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Paterson and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Paterson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Paterson

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Paterson, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Paterson

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $89,540 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $64,020 (10th percentile) to $119,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,540, a dental hygienist in Paterson earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Paterson's median dental hygienist salary of $89,540 is 8.3% below the New Jersey state average of $97,680. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $89,540 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Paterson? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Paterson require a associate's degree. Key skills include Dental Cleaning, X-ray Imaging, Patient Education, Periodontal Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.