Toms River vs Trenton: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Toms River, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Toms River, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,311 | $59,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.07 | $28.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,583▲ | $39,730 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,085▲ | $47,609 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,776▲ | $62,637 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,386▲ | $64,989 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Toms River.
The salary gap between Toms River and Trenton is $2,891 (5.13%). Trenton's median is +19.41% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Toms River spans $24,803,Trenton spans $25,259. Trenton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($57,377 effective) pays 17.38% more than Toms River ($48,881 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Toms River if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,386)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,202/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,377)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Toms River grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.2% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Toms River, NJ
$54,517 (2024) → $54,597 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$38,470 (2019) → $57,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Toms River, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Toms River or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Toms River and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Toms River to Trenton as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Toms River vs Trenton?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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 Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov