Healthcare New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Dentist Salary in New Jersey

The median dentist salary in New Jersey is $192,444 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$192,444
vs National
+$32,074
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Dentist Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for dentists seeking high pay. At $192,444 per year, dentists in New Jersey earn $32,074 more than the national median of $160,370.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $192,444 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $167,343.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: dentists at the 10th percentile earn $96,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $302,400 — a $206,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $213,292.

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dentists across the country.

Dentist Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level dentist earns around $102,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $282,000 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$102,000
+$17,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$194,400
+$32,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$282,000
+$47,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $96,000
25th Percentile $138,000
Median (50th) $192,444
75th Percentile $249,600
90th Percentile $302,400

Dentist Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for dentists in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in New Jersey

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Dentist make in New Jersey? ▼
The median dentist salary in New Jersey is $192,444 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $96,000 (10th percentile) to $302,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $192,444, a dentist in New Jersey earns approximately $93 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for dentists? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $102,000, while senior professionals earn $282,000.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. New Jersey's median of $192,444 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($206,877) and New York ($203,670).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level dentist in New Jersey earns approximately $102,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $194,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $282,000.
What city in New Jersey pays dentists the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for dentists, with a median salary of $213,292. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.