Duluth vs Winona: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Duluth, MN and Winona, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Winona, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,255▲ | $59,635 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.45▲ | $28.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,980 | $47,909▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,023 | $55,709▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,277 | $70,556▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,930 | $73,794▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winona.
The salary gap between Duluth and Winona is $1,620 (2.72%). 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,Winona spans $25,885. 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 13.98% more than Winona ($60,543 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)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,006)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Winona if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,794)
- ✓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 Winona over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$47,560 (2019) → $59,390 (2025)
Winona, MN
$48,541 (2024) → $57,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Winona, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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