Duluth vs Northfield: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Duluth, MN and Northfield, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Northfield, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,255▲ | $60,080 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.45▲ | $28.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,980 | $48,653▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,023 | $56,175▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,277 | $70,462▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,930▲ | $72,832 |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northfield.
The salary gap between Duluth and Northfield is $1,175 (1.96%). Duluth's median is +23.55% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $25,950,Northfield spans $24,179. Duluth has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($69,006 effective) pays 13.13% more than Northfield ($60,995 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,255/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,930)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,006)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Northfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Duluth grew 24.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Northfield over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$47,560 (2019) → $59,390 (2025)
Northfield, MN
$48,904 (2024) → $58,251 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Northfield, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Duluth or Northfield?
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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.
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