Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Minnetonka, MN: $29.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Minnetonka, MN runs $29.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,175 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Minnetonka's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,303 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Minnetonka, Minnesota, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $29.89 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84 per hour. This advantageous pay rate supports both part-time workers and per-diem staff who typically fill roles across a variety of settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly rate ensures a stable income, while per-diem opportunities allow flexibility and the potential for higher earnings. However, entry-level positions may start at about $21.91, while experienced professionals can earn up to $39.39, providing a wide spectrum for both new and seasoned dental assistants in the labor market.
About the Minnetonka 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) | $21.91 | $175.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.26 | $226.08 |
| Median (P50) | $29.89 | $239.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.67 | $293.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.39 | $315.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minnetonka
Based on $29.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.89/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minnetonka, MN can expect to earn approximately $62,171 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,868. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Minnetonka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minnetonka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,195.60 | $5,181 | $62,171 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $717.36 | $3,109 | $37,303 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.24 | $2,072 | $24,868 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Minnetonka) | $29.89 |
| 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 Minnetonka, MN earn a median of $62,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.41% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% below the Minnesota state average of $62,930.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.89/hr = $37,303/year (purchasing power: $37,871).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,171/year (purchasing power: $63,118).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Minnetonka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Minnetonka grew 19.9% from $24.16/hr (2019) to $28.98/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.83/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 Minnetonka 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 Minnetonka
The earning potential for dental assistants in Minnetonka fluctuates based on work arrangement and employer type. For a dental assistant working 24 hours a week, the annual income would be substantial compared to a full-time wage earner in similar roles. Per diem dental assistant pay in Minnetonka generally ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, while specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics can command $28 to $45 per hour. Different types of employers, such as general dental practices or specialty offices, can influence hourly rates, with larger organizations like Heartland Dental often providing more consistent benefits, albeit at slightly lower hourly rates. The trade-off between a higher hourly pay without benefits versus a slightly lower rate with health insurance is a key consideration for many dental assistants. To maximize their earnings, hourly workers should engage in practical negotiation discussions that highlight their skills and experience while keeping current market pay rates in mind.
More salary data for Minnetonka, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Minnetonka in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Minnetonka?
Are dental assistants in Minnetonka paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Minnetonka?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Minnetonka?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Minnetonka. 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 Minnetonka 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