Prior Lake vs Rochester: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Prior Lake, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prior Lake, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,587 | $65,442▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.61 | $31.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,584▲ | $47,537 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,182 | $61,698▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,602 | $74,983▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,880▲ | $76,850 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Prior Lake and Rochester is $3,855 (6.26%). Rochester's median is +32.00% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prior Lake spans $32,296,Rochester spans $29,313. Prior Lake 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, Rochester ($72,056 effective) pays 15.24% more than Prior Lake ($62,525 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,880)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,442/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,056)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Prior Lake grew 19.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Prior Lake, MN
$50,131 (2024) → $59,712 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$54,700 (2019) → $63,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prior Lake, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Prior Lake or Rochester?
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Should I relocate from Prior Lake to Rochester as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Prior Lake vs Rochester?
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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