Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Montclair, NJ: $56.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Montclair, NJ runs $56.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,424 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Montclair's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,459 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montclair, New Jersey, dental hygienists can expect a median hourly pay of $56.46, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive wage makes the profession attractive for both full-time and part-time workers, allowing a dental hygienist who works three days a week to earn a substantial income. Part-time positions are common in various settings, including general dental offices, pediatric clinics, and public health initiatives. The hourly wage for dental hygienists in Montclair ranges from $44.00 at the entry level to $68.62 for top earners, illustrating a clear opportunity for upward movement within the field. Such rates indicate the vital role that dental hygienists play in the healthcare system, ensuring oral health across various patient demographics while also benefiting from the regional economic conditions.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($97,839) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.00 | $352.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.46 | $403.64 |
| Median (P50) | $56.46 | $451.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.67 | $485.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.62 | $548.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montclair
Based on $56.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.46/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montclair, NJ can expect to earn approximately $117,432 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,749. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montclair.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montclair
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,258.31 | $9,786 | $117,432 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,354.99 | $5,872 | $70,459 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $903.32 | $3,914 | $46,973 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Montclair) | $56.46 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Montclair, NJ earn a median of $117,424 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $118,610.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.46/hr = $70,459/year (purchasing power: $61,163).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,432/year (purchasing power: $101,938).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.46/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+46.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Montclair (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Montclair grew 33.0% from $40.46/hr (2020) to $53.80/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.25/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair 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 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Montclair
When examining part-time employment, a dental hygienist working three days a week, approximately 24 hours, could realistically bring home an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts, depending on the hours worked. For per diem positions, compensation can vary widely; while some temp agencies in metropolitan areas pay per diem dental hygienists between $40-60/hr, those rates can be elevated in higher-cost living cities like San Francisco and New York City. In Montclair, the average differs based on employer types, with solo practices generally offering lower rates than larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which have become increasingly prominent. The choice between jobs can often hinge on health benefits versus higher hourly wages, as some hygienists opt for positions that provide health insurance, even if the pay is less appealing. It's essential for dental hygienists in Montclair to negotiate effectively, considering both pay and benefits to find a balance that meets their professional and financial needs.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Montclair in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Montclair?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Montclair?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
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 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Montclair. 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 Montclair 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 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov