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Abstract ObjectivesCortical bone geometry is commonly used to investigate biomechanical properties of primate mandibles. However, the ontogeny of these properties is less understood. Here we investigate changes in cortical bone cross‐sectional properties throughout capuchin ontogeny and compare captive versus wild, semi‐provisioned groups. Tufted capuchins (Sapajusspp.) are known to consume relatively hard/tough foods, while untufted capuchins (Cebusspp.) exploit less mechanically challenging foods. Previous research indicates dietary differences are present early in development and adultSapajusmandibles can resist higher bending/shear/torsional loads. Materials and methodsThis study utilized microCT scans of 22Cebusand 45Sapajusfrom early infancy to adulthood from three sample populations: one captiveCebus, one captiveSapajus, and one semi‐provisioned, free‐rangingSapajus. Mandibular cross‐sectional properties were calculated at the symphysis, P₃, and M₁. If the tooth had not erupted, its position within the crypt was used. A series of one‐way ANOVAs were performed to assess differences between and within the sample populations. ResultsMandible robusticity increases across ontogeny for all three sample populations.Sapajuswere better able to withstand bending and torsional loading even early in ontogeny, but no difference in shear resistance was found. Semi‐provisioned, free‐rangingSapajustend to show increased abilities to resist bending and torsional loading but not shear loading compared to captiveSapajus. DiscussionThis study helps advance our understanding of the primate masticatory system development and opens the door for further studies into adaptive plasticity in shaping the masticatory apparatus of capuchins and differences in captive versus free‐ranging sample populations.