Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Edina, MN: $29.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Edina, MN runs $29.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Edina's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,505 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, dental assistants in Edina, Minnesota, receive a median hourly pay of $29.25, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly rate allows for a comfortable living, particularly beneficial for part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week in diverse settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric dental exam rooms, and orthodontic chairs. With the hourly wage range extending from $22.77 for entry-level positions to as much as $38.28 for experienced assistants, there is ample opportunity for individuals at various stages in their careers. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing insight into the potential earnings for per-diem workers navigating the dynamic dental landscape in Edina.
About the Edina 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) | $22.77 | $182.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.89 | $215.11 |
| Median (P50) | $29.25 | $234.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.80 | $286.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.28 | $306.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edina
Based on $29.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.25/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edina, MN can expect to earn approximately $60,841 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,101. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Edina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,170.02 | $5,070 | $60,841 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.01 | $3,042 | $36,505 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.01 | $2,028 | $24,336 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Edina) | $29.25 |
| 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 Edina, MN earn a median of $60,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.70% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the Minnesota state average of $62,910.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.25/hr = $36,505/year (purchasing power: $37,061).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,841/year (purchasing power: $61,768).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Edina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Edina grew 19.9% from $23.65/hr (2019) to $28.36/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.17/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 Edina 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 Edina
For part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week, the annual earnings can still amount to a solid income, though it reflects a fraction of what full-time employees generate. Per-diem dental assistants can earn between $22 and $35 per hour, depending on their specific roles and specialties, with specialized areas like oral surgery and orthodontics offering even higher rates ranging from $28 to $45. Moreover, hourly rates can vary significantly across different types of employers in Edina, with general dental practices, specialty offices, and dental schools all offering unique pay scales. Many dental assistants weigh their hourly pay options against benefits such as health insurance, which can lead them to accept lower rates for positions that offer additional security. As dental assistants seek to negotiate their compensation, understanding these nuances and leveraging experience and certifications, such as EFDA credentials, can help them secure better pay arrangements in this evolving field.
More salary data for Edina, 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 Edina. 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 Edina 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