Lakewood vs Trenton: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Lakewood, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,667▲ | $105,905 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.57▲ | $50.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,834 | $102,988▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,727 | $104,772▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,928▲ | $107,343 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,566▲ | $115,917 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Lakewood, NJ offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Trenton is $11,762 (11.11%). Lakewood's median is +14.30% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakewood spans $67,732,Trenton spans $12,929. Lakewood has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($102,641 effective) pays 0.49% more than Lakewood ($102,141 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,667/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,566)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,641)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Lakewood grew 33.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Lakewood, NJ
$84,325 (2020) → $112,128 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$88,630 (2020) → $100,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Lakewood or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakewood and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Lakewood to Trenton as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Lakewood vs Trenton?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov