Dental Assistant Pay

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.

$60,834
Median Annual Salary
$29.25/hr
Hourly Rate
$47,359
Entry Level (P10)
$79,612
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Assistant Hourly Rate in Edina, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Edina, MN dental assistant hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a dental assistant in Edina earning $29.25/hr would make approximately $35,101 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $60,841 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$35,101Reduced (32 hr/wk)$46,801Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$60,841

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$234.00
per 8hr shift
$1,170.02
per week
$5,070
per month
$60,841
per year

Schedule Comparison in Edina

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental assistant median salary in Edina ($60,834) with Minnesota average ($62,910) and the US national median ($49,579).Edina$60,834Minnesota Avg$62,910-3.30%US National$49,579+22.70%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental assistants in Edina. Baseline $23.65/hr in 2025, projected to $30.17/hr by 2027.$21$24$26$29$322019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$23.65$24.30$22.81$26.44$27.46$23.81$28.36$29.25$30.17
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$23.65/hrActual
2020$24.30/hrActual
2021$22.81/hrActual
2022$26.44/hrActual
2023$27.46/hrActual
2024$23.81/hrActual
2025$28.36/hrActual
2026(current)$29.25/hrEstimated
2027$30.17/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edina metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Edina in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental assistants in Edina is $29.25/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.14% annual growth). Rates range from $22.77 at entry level (10th percentile) to $38.28 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 22.7% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental assistants make in Edina?

A part-time dental assistant working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Edina earns approximately $3,042/month, or $36,505/year at the median hourly rate of $29.25. Many dental assistants prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental assistants in Edina paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental assistants in Edina are paid hourly at a median rate of $29.25/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $60,841/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Edina?

A full-time dental assistant working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Edina earns approximately $60,841/year at the median hourly rate of $29.25. This is 22.7% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $79,613/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Edina?

Part-time and per diem dental assistants in Edina sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $38.28/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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