Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Austin, MN: $28.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Austin, MN runs $28.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,517 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,707 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For dental assistants in Austin, MN, the projected hourly pay in 2026 stands at $28.61, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This difference reflects not only the demand for skilled professionals in local dental practices but also the diverse opportunities available in various settings, from general dentistry to specialized orthodontic care. Part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, can expect to earn around $1,150 per week based on a typical 24-hour work schedule. In Austin, entry-level dental assistants earn about $21.92 per hour, while those with more experience or specialized skills can command rates as high as $35.30. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, provide a comprehensive view of the compensatory expectations for dental assistants in the region.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.92 | $175.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.03 | $208.26 |
| Median (P50) | $28.61 | $228.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.79 | $270.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.30 | $282.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $28.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.61/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, MN can expect to earn approximately $59,511 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,333. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,144.44 | $4,959 | $59,511 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $686.66 | $2,976 | $35,707 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.78 | $1,984 | $23,804 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Austin) | $28.61 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Austin, MN earn a median of $59,517 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.04% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $62,914.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.61/hr = $35,707/year (purchasing power: $36,250).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,511/year (purchasing power: $60,417).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Austin grew 19.9% from $23.13/hr (2019) to $27.74/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.51/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Austin
Evaluating the financial landscape for part-time dental assistants reveals that working 24 hours each week can generate approximately $59,517 annually, while those who opt for per-diem opportunities might find themselves earning between $22 and $45 per hour, depending on their specialty. For instance, oral surgery or orthodontic per-diem positions typically offer higher pay, reflecting the specialized skills required. Hourly earnings can also vary across different types of employers; general dental practices may pay less compared to specialized offices such as pediatric or oral surgery practices. Additionally, dental assistants often face a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates with insurance and paid time off. When negotiating pay, it’s advisable for applicants to highlight certifications from organizations like DANB and their relevant experience, especially within the context of Austin’s evolving dental assistant job market influenced by chain consolidations like Heartland and Aspen.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Austin in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Austin?
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Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Austin?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Austin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov