Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $56.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lakewood, NJ runs $56.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,667 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,603 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienists in Lakewood, NJ, earn a competitive median hourly rate of $56.57, significantly surpassing the national median of $49.49. This appealing pay structure allows part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, to bring home a substantial income while balancing other commitments. Per-diem dental hygienists, who often fill staffing gaps in various healthcare settings like general dentistry operatories and pediatric exam rooms, can see earnings ranging from $43.19 to $75.76 per hour. The wide hourly range reflects not only experience but also the diverse environments in which dental hygienists operate, from private practices to public health clinics.
About the Lakewood 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) | $43.19 | $345.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.95 | $383.58 |
| Median (P50) | $56.57 | $452.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.39 | $515.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.76 | $606.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $56.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.57/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $117,672 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,888. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,262.93 | $9,806 | $117,672 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,357.76 | $5,884 | $70,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $905.17 | $3,922 | $47,069 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lakewood) | $56.57 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $117,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $118,616.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.57/hr = $70,603/year (purchasing power: $61,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,672/year (purchasing power: $102,146).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.57/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+46.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lakewood (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lakewood grew 33.0% from $40.54/hr (2020) to $53.91/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.37/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
When considering a part-time schedule of 24 hours per week, dental hygienists in Lakewood can expect to take home around $44,261 annually, presenting a viable option for those seeking flexibility. However, per diem dental hygienist pay in Lakewood highlights the variability of hourly earnings across different employer types. For instance, solo dental practices may offer less than larger DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen, which often come with additional benefits. Moreover, temporary staffing agencies may provide hourly wages that fluctuate based on the demand for hygienists; while local rates hover around $40-60/hr, metropolitan areas like New York or Boston can command even higher figures. This trade-off between hourly pay and benefits such as health coverage is critical as dental professionals weigh their options. To maximize earning potential, hygienists should consider negotiating their rates based on the type of practice and remain aware of the growing influence of Dental Service Organizations in shaping pay structures in Lakewood and beyond.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lakewood?
Are dental hygienists in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lakewood?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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