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Average Dental Assistants Salary in St. Cloud, MN

Dental Assistants in St. Cloud, MN, earn an impressive average annual salary of $59,080. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $48,760, indicating a strong local demand for these essential healthcare professionals. The localized pay structure in St. Cloud reflects a combination of regional economic factors and the specific needs of its healthcare sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,080 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,990.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 240 Dental Assistants and a Location Quotient of 0.95, St. Cloud presents a stable, albeit slightly below national average concentration, job market for this profession. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 2.301 suggests a consistent, steady demand that aligns with the needs of the community's healthcare infrastructure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,080

The average Dental Assistants in St. Cloud, MN earns+21.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.4

Weekly

$1,136

Monthly

$4,923

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in St. Cloud, MN

Salary progression for Dental Assistants in St. Cloud typically scales 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. These percentile gaps are indicative of the career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the local dental industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$47,290$22.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$44,310$21.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$60,060$28.9
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$73,850$35.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$68,990$33.2

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,080

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$59,080

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $59,080 in St. Cloud, MN, 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 salary in St. Cloud is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

2.301

Per 1K Jobs

0.95

Location Quotient

Below Average

St. Cloud, MN has 0.95x 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 0.95 for Dental Assistants in St. Cloud suggests that the concentration of these professionals is just slightly below the national average. This indicates a healthy, competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in St. Cloud, MN?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in St. Cloud, MN is $59,080. This typically ranges from $47,290 for entry-level positions to $68,990 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in St. Cloud, MN is 21.2% higher than the national median of $48,760.

Is St. Cloud, MN a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

Yes, it is a financially competitive place for Dental Assistants.Dental Assistants in St. Cloud earn substantially more than the national average, and their salary holds its value due to the cost of living being at the national average.

Is St. Cloud, MN a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Cloud, MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near St. Cloud, MN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area ($56,900) and Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area.

How does St. Cloud's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?

Dental Assistants in St. Cloud earn an average of $59,080 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $48,760.

What is the cost of living in St. Cloud, MN for Dental Assistants?

The cost of living in St. Cloud is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary of $59,080 has average purchasing power.

How concentrated is the Dental Assistant job market in St. Cloud?

The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.95, is slightly below the national average, indicating a balanced market with steady opportunities.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for Dental Assistants in St. Cloud?

With 2.301 jobs per 1,000 workers, it suggests a consistent and reliable demand for Dental Assistants within the St. Cloud workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the St. Cloud, MN area with a job density of 2.301 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.