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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a DENTAL ASSISTANT I in New Jersey is $53,531 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a DENTAL ASSISTANT I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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DENTAL ASSISTANT I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $59,151 | $4,929 | $1,138 | $28 |
| Average | $53,531 | $4,461 | $1,029 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,998 | $4,000 | $923 | $23 |
Dr. Dental - Edison, NJ
Eastern Dental - Flemington, NJ
Ron Rotem DDSPC - Toms River, NJ
LIV ENDODONTICS LLC - Livingston, NJ
A DENTAL ASSISTANT I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a DENTAL ASSISTANT I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $43,775 |
| Intermediate Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $44,711 |
| Senior Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $46,728 |
| Specialist Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $46,944 |
| Expert Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $47,089 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract DENTAL ASSISTANT Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For DENTAL ASSISTANT I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, DENTAL ASSISTANT positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view DENTAL ASSISTANT I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $64,238 | $31.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a DENTAL ASSISTANT I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $59,151 | $4,929 | $1,138 | $28 |
| Average | $53,531 | $4,461 | $1,029 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,998 | $4,000 | $923 | $23 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current DENTAL ASSISTANT I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Smile Studio
Fair Haven, NJ
Smile Studio | Fair Haven, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Seeking dental assistant for a friendly, privately owned office in Fair Haven, NJ. Experience is a plus but not required... more
1 Day Ago
Compassionate Dental Care
Voorhees Township, NJ
Compassionate Dental Care | Voorhees Township, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. We are looking for an Experienced Full Time Dental Assistant to join our dedicated, compassionate, and talented dental te... more
1 Day Ago
CARTER SMILE LLC
Madison, NJ
CARTER SMILE LLC | Madison, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Carter Smile is a pediatric dental & orthodontic practice in a single location. We are looking to hire an experienced ped... more
2 Days Ago
Budd Lake Family Dental LLC
Budd Lake, NJ
Budd Lake Family Dental LLC | Budd Lake, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Seeking a dynamic dental assistant to add to our fantastic team. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to ass... more
2 Days Ago
South Jersey Pediatric Dental
Vineland, NJ
South Jersey Pediatric Dental | Vineland, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR AN OUTSTANDING DENTAL ASSISTANT. Are you a dental assistant looking to grow your career in a. fun... more
2 Days Ago
NICOLE PADOVAN-LAGRASTA DMD PA
Bound Brook, NJ
NICOLE PADOVAN-LAGRASTA DMD PA | Bound Brook, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Dental Assistant- PRIVATE DENTAL PRACTICE. Our established private dental practice is seeking an experienced Dental Assis... more
3 Days Ago
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