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Average Dental Assistants Salary in Minnesota

Dental Assistants in Minnesota earn an impressive average annual salary of $63,680, substantially exceeding the national average of $48,760. This higher compensation in Minnesota can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's specific healthcare demands and potentially a higher cost of living compared to some other regions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,930.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,590 Dental Assistants, Minnesota demonstrates a solid presence in this healthcare sector. The Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants relative to the national average, indicating a potentially stable or growing demand for these professionals within the state's healthcare system.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,680

The average Dental Assistants in Minnesota earns+30.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.6

Weekly

$1,225

Monthly

$5,307

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Minnesota

The career path for Dental Assistants in Minnesota offers significant earning potential that scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the senior percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$48,450$23.3
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$47,760$23
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$64,630$31.1
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$79,600$38.3
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$74,930$36

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$67,458

Adjusted for COL (94.4)

The average annual salary of $63,680 in Minnesota presents a favorable financial outlook when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 94.4. This index, slightly below the national average of 100, suggests that the higher nominal salary offers good purchasing power for residents, potentially allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

5,590

Total Jobs

1.915

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

Minnesota has 0.79x the national average concentration of Dental Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates that Dental Assistants are slightly less concentrated in Minnesota compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, there may be ample opportunities for new entrants and that the market is not oversaturated, potentially leading to competitive hiring practices.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

Comparing salaries near Minnesota

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Minnesota is $63,680. This typically ranges from $48,450 for entry-level positions to $74,930 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Minnesota is 30.6% higher than the national median of $48,760.

Is Minnesota a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

Yes, Minnesota offers a lucrative environment for Dental Assistants.The average salary of $63,680 significantly surpasses the national average, and the cost of living is close to the national benchmark, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Minnesota a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Minnesota?

Some top paying nearby cities include St. Cloud, MN ($59,080) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.

How does Minnesota's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?

Dental Assistants in Minnesota earn an average of $63,680 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $48,760.

What is the concentration of Dental Assistants in Minnesota?

Minnesota has a Location Quotient of 0.79 for Dental Assistants, meaning the concentration is slightly below the national average.

How does the cost of living in Minnesota affect Dental Assistant salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.4, Minnesota's cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, making the higher average salary of $63,680 particularly beneficial for purchasing power.

What is the total workforce of Dental Assistants in Minnesota?

There are approximately 5,590 Dental Assistants employed in Minnesota.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,590 employees in the Minnesota area with a job density of 1.915 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.