Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Plymouth, MN: $29.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Plymouth, MN runs $29.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,274 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Plymouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,367 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Minnesota, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected at $29.94 in 2026, substantially higher than the national median of $23.84 per hour. This competitive rate benefits both full-time employees and part-time workers who often find employment in various settings such as general dentistry clinics, pediatric offices, orthodontic facilities, and oral surgery suites. For those considering part-time roles, a standard schedule of three days per week may yield approximately $23,000 annually, while per-diem opportunities present flexible work patterns with pay rates typically ranging from $22.02 to $37.65 per hour, dependent on experience and the nature of the practice. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to start at around $22.02 hourly, while seasoned professionals, especially those in specialized areas, can earn close to $37.65, showcasing a clear pay progression within the industry.
About the Plymouth 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) | $22.02 | $176.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.36 | $226.91 |
| Median (P50) | $29.94 | $239.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.63 | $285.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.65 | $301.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plymouth
Based on $29.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.94/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plymouth, MN can expect to earn approximately $62,278 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,930. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plymouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plymouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,197.66 | $5,190 | $62,278 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.60 | $3,114 | $37,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.06 | $2,076 | $24,911 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Plymouth) | $29.94 |
| 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 Plymouth, MN earn a median of $62,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.61% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.00% below the Minnesota state average of $62,903.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.94/hr = $37,367/year (purchasing power: $37,936).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,278/year (purchasing power: $63,227).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Plymouth grew 19.9% from $24.20/hr (2019) to $29.03/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.88/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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
While contemplating the dental assistant hourly rate in MN, individuals must weigh both the potential earnings and the nature of work arrangements. A part-time dental assistant working 24 hours a week will see a significant annual take-home compared to full-time roles, thus appealing to those seeking work-life balance. Per-diem dental assistants often command hourly rates between $22 to $35, with specialty roles—like those in orthodontic or oral surgery settings—yielding even higher hourly compensation of $28 to $45. Employers vary in their pay structures, with general practices often offering lower rates, while specialty clinics may provide more competitive pay. Benefits also play a key role in remuneration decisions; some assistants may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance, while others may prefer higher rates with no benefits. For those looking to negotiate salaries in Plymouth, understanding the local market dynamics alongside one's qualifications and certifications can be crucial when determining worth and negotiating hourly pay.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Plymouth in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Plymouth?
Are dental assistants in Plymouth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Plymouth?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Plymouth?
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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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth 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