Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in North Bergen, NJ: $55.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in North Bergen, NJ runs $55.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,008 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against North Bergen's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,006 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Bergen, NJ, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 will be $55.29, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This robust hourly rate showcases the earnings potential for dental hygienists operating in a variety of settings, from general dentistry offices to specialized periodontal practices and public health clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this pay translates to a solid income while allowing flexibility in scheduling. Per diem positions, which are common in this field, typically offer hourly rates ranging from $42.81 to $70.12 depending on experience and location. Even entry-level professionals can expect to earn a competitive wage, contributing to a favorable job outlook in the North Bergen area.
About the North Bergen 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) | $42.81 | $342.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.93 | $367.46 |
| Median (P50) | $55.29 | $442.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.00 | $488.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.12 | $560.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Bergen
Based on $55.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.29/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Bergen, NJ can expect to earn approximately $115,009 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,351. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Bergen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Bergen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,211.72 | $9,584 | $115,009 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,327.03 | $5,750 | $69,006 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $884.69 | $3,834 | $46,004 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (North Bergen) | $55.29 |
| 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 North Bergen, NJ earn a median of $115,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.72% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 3.00% below the New Jersey state average of $118,565.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.29/hr = $69,006/year (purchasing power: $59,901).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,009/year (purchasing power: $99,834).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$39.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.29/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+46.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in North Bergen (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $39.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in North Bergen grew 33.0% from $39.62/hr (2020) to $52.69/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.02/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 North Bergen 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 North Bergen
Considering part-time and per diem opportunities, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week at this hourly rate can bring home a commendable annual income compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem dental hygienists in North Bergen may find themselves between $40 and $60 per hour when contracted through agencies, with high-cost markets potentially driving rates up to $60-$85. Employers such as Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and multi-practice groups may offer advantages such as health insurance, which can make lower hourly wages appealing. This trade-off often leads professionals to negotiate based on not only pay but also benefits. Many dental hygienists in North Bergen may seek advice on contract negotiation tactics, focusing on securing better rates while considering the benefits package they are willing to accept, especially in the evolving landscape shaped by these corporate entities.
More salary data for North Bergen, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in North Bergen in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in North Bergen?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in North Bergen?
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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 North Bergen. 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 North Bergen 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