Dental Assistant Pay

Brooklyn Center vs Minneapolis: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Brooklyn Center, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brooklyn Center, MN
$61,660
$29.64/hr
Minneapolis, MN
$74,642
$35.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrooklyn Center, MNMinneapolis, MN
Median Salary$61,660$74,642
Hourly Rate$29.64$35.88
Entry Level (P10)$47,827$48,393
25th Percentile$56,339$65,030
75th Percentile$71,822$77,933
Top Earner (P90)$80,119$78,675
Total Employed73,910
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brooklyn Center ($61,660) and Minneapolis ($74,642) dental assistant salaries.Brooklyn CenterMinneapolisMedian Salary$61,660$74,642Entry Level (P10)$47,827$48,393Top Earner (P90)$80,119$78,675US Median $49,579

Verdict

Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brooklyn Center.

The salary gap between Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis is $12,982 (21.05%). Minneapolis's median is +50.55% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brooklyn Center spans $32,292,Minneapolis spans $30,282. Brooklyn Center has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brooklyn Center
P10 (Entry)$47,827
P25$56,339
Median$61,660
P75$71,822
P90 (Top)$80,119
Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$48,393
P25$65,030
Median$74,642
P75$77,933
P90 (Top)$78,675

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($71,208 effective) pays 13.75% more than Brooklyn Center ($62,599 effective).

Brooklyn Center
Nominal: $61,660
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $62,599
Minneapolis
Nominal: $74,642
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $71,208

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brooklyn Center if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($80,119)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,642/year)
  • Larger job market (3,910 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,208)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Brooklyn Center grew 19.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.

Brooklyn Center, MN

+19.1%

$50,190 (2024) → $59,783 (2025)

Minneapolis, MN

+34.2%

$53,930 (2019) → $72,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Brooklyn Center or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a higher median dental assistant salary at $74,642/year, compared to Brooklyn Center at $61,660/year — a difference of $12,982 (21.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis?

Brooklyn Center dental assistants earn $29.64/hr while Minneapolis hygienists earn $35.88/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brooklyn Center to Minneapolis as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brooklyn Center = $62,599, Minneapolis = $71,208), job availability (7 vs 3,910 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Brooklyn Center vs Minneapolis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $47,827 in Brooklyn Center and $48,393 in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH

Career Analyst

Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov