Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Edison, NJ: $56.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Edison, NJ runs $56.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,015 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Edison's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,210 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Edison, New Jersey, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $56.26, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This advantageous pay scale can prove beneficial for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings like general dental practices, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. For example, a dental hygienist working three days a week may experience a steady income while balancing personal commitments. The hourly range in Edison is broad, starting at approximately $42.47 for entry-level positions and extending up to $74.56 for the most experienced professionals, making the field appealing for both new graduates and seasoned hygienists looking to maximize their earnings.
About the Edison 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) | $42.47 | $339.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.32 | $378.54 |
| Median (P50) | $56.26 | $450.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.75 | $510.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.56 | $596.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edison
Based on $56.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.26/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edison, NJ can expect to earn approximately $117,017 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,510. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Edison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,250.33 | $9,751 | $117,017 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,350.20 | $5,851 | $70,210 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $900.13 | $3,901 | $46,807 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Edison) | $56.26 |
| 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 Edison, NJ earn a median of $117,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.67% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.30% below the New Jersey state average of $118,557.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.26/hr = $70,210/year (purchasing power: $60,947).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,017/year (purchasing power: $101,578).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.26/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+46.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Edison (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Edison grew 33.0% from $40.32/hr (2020) to $53.61/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.04/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 Edison 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 Edison
Considering the earning potential for part-time positions, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could take home around $70,950 annually, which is still quite substantial, although less than full-time counterparts. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Edison varies from about $40 to $60 per hour, depending on agency and demand. This flexibility often appeals to professionals seeking to control their schedules. Additionally, pay scales can differ widely among employer types in the region, with solo practices often offering lower rates compared to larger DSOs like Heartland or Aspen. Dental hygienists may find themselves weighing the benefits of higher hourly wages against the advantages of full-time employment, such as health insurance and job stability. Negotiating effectively is crucial; understanding local industry rates and being prepared to discuss benefits can make a significant difference in securing an ideal position.
More salary data for Edison, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Edison in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Edison?
Are dental hygienists in Edison paid hourly or salary?
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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 Edison. 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 Edison 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