SalaryNode

Average Dental Assistants Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area

Dental Assistants in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $58,480, significantly exceeding the national average of $48,760. This elevated compensation can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific healthcare demands and potentially a more localized supply-and-demand dynamic within this region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,480 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,800.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 220 Dental Assistants, the job market in Southwest Minnesota appears stable. The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average, indicating potential opportunities for those entering the field or seeking to advance their careers within this specific nonmetropolitan setting.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,480

The average Dental Assistants in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earns+19.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.1

Weekly

$1,125

Monthly

$4,873

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Southwest Minnesota typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth potential and increased earning capacity.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$48,760$23.4
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$43,860$21.1
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$60,910$29.3
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$73,100$35.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$62,800$30.2

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,480

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,480

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $58,480 in Southwest Minnesota aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's income in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.

Job Market Context

220

Total Jobs

1.865

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area has 0.77x 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 0.77 indicates that Dental Assistants are slightly less concentrated in Southwest Minnesota compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled professionals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

Comparing salaries near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $58,480. This typically ranges from $48,760 for entry-level positions to $62,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 19.9% higher than the national median of $48,760.

Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Dental Assistants in this region earn significantly more than the national average, with their income's purchasing power matching the national cost of living.

Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?

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

How does the salary compare to the national average?

Dental Assistants in Southwest Minnesota earn an average of $58,480 annually, which is over $9,700 more than the national average of $48,760.

What is the Cost of Living in Southwest Minnesota?

The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Minnesota is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has standard purchasing power.

Is there high demand for Dental Assistants in this area?

The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average, implying a potentially stable or growing demand.

How many Dental Assistants work in Southwest Minnesota?

There are approximately 220 Dental Assistants employed in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.865 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.