Dentist jobs in Trenton, NJ
Dentists in the Trenton area earn a median of $98.28 per hour, about $204,420 a year, and the middle half of them earn between $53.95 and $105.65. That ranks 31st of 302 U.S. metro areas for dentist pay, and 73rd of 279 once local prices are factored in. Tell us your role and we email current openings near Trenton.
- $98.28median pay per hour, Trenton
- $54–$106typical range per hour
- 140dentists employed in the metro area
- 103cost of living index (U.S. = 100)
Dentist pay in Trenton, NJ
The metro median is 28% above the New Jersey statewide median of $76.86 per hour. Nationally the median is $83.07 per hour. BLS counts about 140 dentists, general employed in the Trenton-Princeton metro area, 0.6 per 1,000 jobs. Employment is less concentrated here than in the country as a whole (location quotient 0.78).
| Level | Per hour | Per year | Compared with U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% | $35.56 | $73,960 | 57% below U.S. median |
| Lower quartile | $53.95 | $112,220 | 35% below U.S. median |
| Median | $98.28 | $204,420 | 18% above U.S. median |
| Upper quartile | $105.65 | $219,750 | 27% above U.S. median |
| Top 10% | $115+ | $239,200+ | 38% above U.S. median |
How Trenton ranks
- 31st of 302 U.S. metro areas by median hourly pay
- 73rd of 279 after adjusting for local prices
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024, Dentists, General (SOC 29-1021), all industries. Figures marked $115+ are the BLS top-coded maximum. This is what employers report paying, not an offer for a specific role.
What your pay buys in Trenton
- Overall prices in Trenton-Princeton run 3% above the U.S. average (index 103.2, U.S. = 100).
- Housing is the biggest driver: 35% above the U.S. average (index 135.1).
- Adjusted for local prices, a $98.28 median hour buys what $95.25 buys at the national price level, 15% above the national median.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024. Prices are for the metro area, not for a single neighborhood.
Get the Trenton Dentist pay report
Named employers near Trenton, what they pay and the roles open now. Free for candidates, email only.
Get my free pay reportEstimate your Trenton paycheck
- Per year: $176,904
- Per month: $14,742
Gross pay before taxes and benefits, from BLS pay levels for the Trenton-Princeton metro area. For take-home pay use the take-home pay calculator.
Dental health shortage areas in Mercer County
HRSA lists 3 active dental health shortage designations that include Mercer County (1 geographic, 2 facility). The highest-scoring one rates 23 on a 0 to 26 scale, where a higher score means a greater shortage.
Shortage areas are where demand for dentists, hygienists and dental assistants is greatest. Federal loan repayment programs such as the NHSC and Nurse Corps cover some clinicians who work at eligible shortage-area sites. Eligibility is set by each program and by the site, so ask your recruiter before you plan around it.
Source: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas data warehouse, designated areas only. A designation can cover part of a county.
Dentist pay in nearby cities
| City | Distance | Median pay | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 25 mi | $83.76/hr | 1,573,916 |
| New Brunswick, NJ | 25 mi | $76.92/hr | 57,487 |
| Camden, NJ | 27 mi | $83.76/hr | 71,749 |
| Plainfield, NJ | 33 mi | $76.92/hr | 56,507 |
| Perth Amboy, NJ | 33 mi | $76.92/hr | 56,939 |
| Bethlehem, PA | 42 mi | $76.92/hr | 79,453 |
License and tax basics in New Jersey
Active dental license in the state of the job. Credentials are issued state by state, so confirm what New Jersey requires for your role with the New Jersey licensing board and with your recruiter before you commit to a start date.
New Jersey taxes wage income. Use your own rates in the take-home pay calculator.
Other healthcare roles in Trenton
Trenton city guide: hospitals, employers and licensing
Common questions
How much do dentists make in Trenton, NJ?
Dentists in the Trenton-Princeton metro area have a median pay of $98.28 per hour, about $204,420 a year. The middle half earn between $53.95 and $105.65 per hour (BLS, May 2024).
Is Trenton a good place for dentists once cost of living is counted?
Trenton-Princeton ranks 73rd of 279 metro areas for dentist pay after adjusting for local prices, and 31st of 302 before adjusting. Overall prices run 3% above the U.S. average.
Do I need a New Jersey license to work in Trenton as a dentist?
Active dental license in the state of the job. Credentials are issued state by state, so confirm what New Jersey requires for your role with the New Jersey licensing board and with your recruiter before you commit to a start date. Confirm with the board before you accept a role.
Is Trenton in a shortage area?
HRSA lists 3 active dental health shortage designations that include Mercer County. Shortage areas often have more openings, and some loan repayment programs cover clinicians who work at eligible sites.
Does Valorem Health place dentists in Trenton?
Yes. We place healthcare staff in Trenton and across New Jersey. Tell us your profession and we email the roles open near Trenton.
What do employers near Trenton pay dentists? Get the report.
Tell us your role and city. Within 24 hours you get an email with three things, by employer name. It costs you nothing, because employers pay us.
- 1Pay for your role at other employers
The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
- 2What they are offering now
The pay range and median across current postings, and how many were posted this month.
- 3Roles open for you right now
Every current opening near you with pay, shift and start date. Reply with one click.
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Your Dentist pay reportTrenton, NJ · employer-reported wage offers in federal filings, July 2025 – June 2026
1Pay for your role at other employers
- Henry J Austin Health CenterTrenton, NJ · 1 wage offer$77.16/ hr$77–$77
- The Smilist Dental of New Jersey, LLCTrenton, NJ · 1 wage offer$67.83/ hr$68–$68
- SmilePro Dental Care LLCEmerson, NJ · 1 wage offer$200.00/ hr$200–$200
- Dental Studio of Jersey CityJersey City, NJ · 1 wage offer$117.79/ hr$118–$118
Median pay per hour, with the range each employer reported in federal filings.
2What they are offering now
17 employer-reported wage offers for Dentist in federal filings in New Jersey, July 2025 – June 2026. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open Dentist roles
Open Dentist roles near Trenton, NJ, each with pay, shift and start date, arrive with your report.