Atlantic City vs Lakewood: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Lakewood, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Lakewood, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,178 | $117,667▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.05 | $56.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,529▲ | $89,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,009▲ | $99,727 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,449 | $133,928▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,706 | $157,566▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Lakewood, NJ offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Lakewood is $11,489 (10.82%). 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 Atlantic City spans $11,177,Lakewood spans $67,732. Lakewood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlantic City ($107,406 effective) pays 5.15% 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 Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,406)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,667/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,566)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Atlantic City grew 18.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$85,600 (2020) → $101,180 (2025)
Lakewood, NJ
$84,325 (2020) → $112,128 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Lakewood, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Atlantic City or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Lakewood as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Atlantic City vs Lakewood?
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