Dental Assistant Pay

Minneapolis vs Shoreview: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Minneapolis, MN
$74,642
$35.88/hr
Shoreview, MN
$59,610
$28.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNShoreview, MN
Median Salary$74,642$59,610
Hourly Rate$35.88$28.66
Entry Level (P10)$48,393$47,597
25th Percentile$65,030$54,332
75th Percentile$77,933$70,498
Top Earner (P90)$78,675$73,717
Total Employed3,9106
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($74,642) and Shoreview ($59,610) dental assistant salaries.MinneapolisShoreviewMedian Salary$74,642$59,610Entry Level (P10)$48,393$47,597Top Earner (P90)$78,675$73,717US Median $49,579

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Shoreview is $15,032 (25.22%). 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 Minneapolis spans $30,282,Shoreview spans $26,120. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$48,393
P25$65,030
Median$74,642
P75$77,933
P90 (Top)$78,675
Shoreview
P10 (Entry)$47,597
P25$54,332
Median$59,610
P75$70,498
P90 (Top)$73,717

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($71,208 effective) pays 17.67% more than Shoreview ($60,518 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $74,642
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $71,208
Shoreview
Nominal: $59,610
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $60,518

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,642/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($78,675)
  • Larger job market (3,910 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,208)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Shoreview if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Minneapolis grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Shoreview over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+34.2%

$53,930 (2019) → $72,370 (2025)

Shoreview, MN

+19.1%

$48,521 (2024) → $57,795 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Minneapolis or Shoreview?

Minneapolis has a higher median dental assistant salary at $74,642/year, compared to Shoreview at $59,610/year — a difference of $15,032 (25.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Shoreview?

Minneapolis dental assistants earn $35.88/hr while Shoreview hygienists earn $28.66/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Shoreview as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Shoreview. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $71,208, Shoreview = $60,518), job availability (3,910 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $48,393 in Minneapolis and $47,597 in Shoreview. 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