Rochester vs St. Louis Park: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Rochester, MN and St. Louis Park, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | St. Louis Park, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,442▲ | $60,606 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.46▲ | $29.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,537 | $48,457▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,698▲ | $56,445 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,983▲ | $72,846 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,850 | $76,868▲ |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis Park.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Louis Park is $4,836 (7.98%). 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 Rochester spans $29,313,St. Louis Park spans $28,411. Rochester 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 17.11% more than St. Louis Park ($61,529 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose St. Louis Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,868)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Rochester grew 16.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in St. Louis Park over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$54,700 (2019) → $63,450 (2025)
St. Louis Park, MN
$49,332 (2024) → $58,761 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Louis Park, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Rochester or St. Louis Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Louis Park?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Louis Park as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Rochester vs St. Louis Park?
Related Comparisons
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