Rochester vs Winona: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Rochester, MN and Winona, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | Winona, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,442▲ | $59,635 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.46▲ | $28.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,537 | $47,909▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,698▲ | $55,709 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,983▲ | $70,556 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,850▲ | $73,794 |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winona.
The salary gap between Rochester and Winona is $5,807 (9.74%). 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,Winona spans $25,885. 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 19.02% 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 Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,442/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,850)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,056)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Winona if…
- ✓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 Winona over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$54,700 (2019) → $63,450 (2025)
Winona, MN
$48,541 (2024) → $57,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
Winona, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Rochester or Winona?
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Should I relocate from Rochester to Winona as a dental assistant?
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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