Minneapolis vs St. Paul: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Minneapolis, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,642▲ | $73,893 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.88▲ | $35.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,393 | $56,011▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,030 | $67,468▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,933 | $89,250▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,675 | $103,820▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,910▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Paul.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and St. Paul is $749 (1.01%). 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,St. Paul spans $47,809. St. Paul has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Paul ($75,018 effective) pays 5.35% more than Minneapolis ($71,208 effective).
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)
- ✓Larger job market (3,910 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,820)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,018)
- ✓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 34.6% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$53,930 (2019) → $72,370 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$53,241 (2024) → $71,643 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Minneapolis or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to St. Paul as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Minneapolis vs St. Paul?
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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