Elizabeth vs Trenton: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Elizabeth, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,679▲ | $105,905 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.54▲ | $50.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,043 | $102,988▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,820 | $104,772▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,009▲ | $107,343 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,910▲ | $115,917 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Elizabeth, NJ offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Elizabeth and Trenton is $13,774 (13.01%). Elizabeth's median is +16.25% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabeth spans $65,867,Trenton spans $12,929. Elizabeth 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, Elizabeth ($103,888 effective) pays 1.21% more than Trenton ($102,641 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabeth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,679/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,910)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,888)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Elizabeth grew 33.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Elizabeth, NJ
$85,767 (2020) → $114,045 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$88,630 (2020) → $100,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabeth, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Elizabeth or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabeth and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Elizabeth to Trenton as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Elizabeth 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