Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Coon Rapids, MN: $29.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Coon Rapids, MN runs $29.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Coon Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,569 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Coon Rapids, Minnesota, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $29.30 by 2026, which significantly surpasses the national average of $23.84 per hour. This competitive pay scale offers a notable advantage for part-time dental assistants working in various settings, such as general dentistry operatory rooms, pediatric clinics, or specialty practices. For those working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this hourly wage translates into meaningful financial support, equating to a solid living. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in this area extends from $22.89 for entry-level positions to $38.44 for experienced professionals, indicative of the growing demand in this field.
About the Coon Rapids 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) | $22.89 | $183.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.00 | $216.02 |
| Median (P50) | $29.30 | $234.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.92 | $287.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.44 | $307.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Coon Rapids
Based on $29.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.30/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Coon Rapids, MN can expect to earn approximately $60,948 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,162. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Coon Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Coon Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,172.08 | $5,079 | $60,948 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.25 | $3,047 | $36,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.83 | $2,032 | $24,379 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Coon Rapids) | $29.30 |
| 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 Coon Rapids, MN earn a median of $60,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.91% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.20% below the Minnesota state average of $62,953.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.30/hr = $36,569/year (purchasing power: $37,126).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,948/year (purchasing power: $61,876).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Coon Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Coon Rapids grew 19.9% from $23.69/hr (2019) to $28.41/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.22/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 Coon Rapids 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 Coon Rapids
In addition to the base hourly pay, the opportunities for per-diem dental assistants in Coon Rapids are substantial, often billing between $22 and $35 per hour depending on the nature of the practice. For those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics, per-diem pay can go as high as $28 to $45 an hour. Employment type greatly influences earnings; while general dental practices may offer more stability, specialty offices and dental schools frequently have varied pay structures. Many dental assistants opt for lower hourly wages with health benefits, whereas others prefer higher rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively ahead of time can make a significant difference, ensuring fair compensation in a highly competitive market. As dental support roles continue to evolve with the growth of dental service organizations (DSOs), understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone seeking to thrive as a dental assistant in Coon Rapids, MN.
More salary data for Coon Rapids, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Coon Rapids. 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 Coon Rapids 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