Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Toms River, NJ: $56.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Toms River, NJ runs $56.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,924 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Toms River's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,158 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Toms River, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $56.22, exceeding the national median of $49.49. This prevailing hourly rate makes the profession attractive for both full-time and part-time roles, especially for those desiring flexibility in their work schedules. Dental hygienists can thrive in varied environments, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric examination rooms, or even mobile clinics in public health settings. Within Toms River, entry-level professionals might earn around $44.99 per hour, while seasoned hygienists can command up to $69.70, showcasing a broad salary range that reflects experience and specialization. The growing demand for dental services, bolstered by a projected annual growth rate of 4.94%, contributes to the overall upward trend in hourly compensation.
About the Toms River 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) | $44.99 | $359.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.03 | $392.22 |
| Median (P50) | $56.22 | $449.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.89 | $487.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.70 | $557.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Toms River
Based on $56.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.22/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Toms River, NJ can expect to earn approximately $116,930 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,460. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Toms River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Toms River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,248.65 | $9,744 | $116,930 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,349.19 | $5,847 | $70,158 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $899.46 | $3,898 | $46,772 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Toms River) | $56.22 |
| 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 Toms River, NJ earn a median of $116,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $118,584.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.22/hr = $70,158/year (purchasing power: $60,901).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,930/year (purchasing power: $101,502).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.22/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+46.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Toms River (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Toms River grew 33.0% from $40.28/hr (2020) to $53.57/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.99/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 Toms River 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 Toms River
Part-time dental hygienists working three days a week can anticipate taking home approximately $68,188 annually, a figure that still demonstrates a significant financial advantage compared to other part-time roles. For those entering the field as per diem workers, varying rates between $40 and $60 per hour highlight the diverse earning potential, particularly in locations with higher costs of living, like Toms River. Dental hygienists in different practice settings, such as individual practices versus larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen, may see distinct disparities in hourly wages and benefits. Often, hygienists opt for lower hourly rates with established health insurance plans, trading some pay for greater job security and benefits. Effective negotiation is vital; professionals should emphasize their licensure, certifications, and experience during discussions with potential employers to maximize their hourly pay.
More salary data for Toms River, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Toms River in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Toms River?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Toms River?
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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 Toms River. 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 Toms River 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