Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $31.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Rochester, MN runs $31.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,442 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,259 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Dental assistants in Rochester, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $31.46 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This difference presents a valuable opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers, especially those considering a 3-day workweek, allowing for a flexible schedule while still achieving respectable pay. In the context of typical settings such as general dentistry operatories and pediatric dental offices, hourly rates range from $22.86 at the lower end, reflecting entry-level positions, up to $36.94 for experienced assistants or those in specialized practices. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data illustrates a promising environment for dental assistants and suggests an overall positive outlook for the profession in Rochester.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.86 | $182.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.66 | $237.30 |
| Median (P50) | $31.46 | $251.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.05 | $288.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.94 | $295.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $31.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.46/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $65,432 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,749. With a cost-of-living index of 90.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,258.31 | $5,453 | $65,432 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.98 | $3,272 | $39,259 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.32 | $2,181 | $26,173 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Rochester) | $31.46 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $65,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.00% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 4.00% above the Minnesota state average of $62,925.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.46/hr = $39,259/year (purchasing power: $43,227).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,432/year (purchasing power: $72,045).
CoL index: 90.821 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Rochester grew 16.0% from $26.30/hr (2019) to $30.50/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.45/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
For part-time dental assistants working a 24-hour week, the annual take-home pay can still be substantial, offering a steady income while pursuing other interests or education. Per-diem roles present another option, with pay rates between $22 and $35 per hour for general tasks, whereas specialty positions like oral surgery or orthodontics can command rates between $28 and $45 an hour. Understanding that agencies such as Cloud Dentistry and GoTu provide temporary staffing solutions can lead to valuable insights into earning potential. Employers in Rochester vary widely, from solo dental practices to large chains like Heartland or Aspen, each offering different hourly rates. Dental assistants often weigh the trade-off between lower hourly rates for positions with benefits versus higher pay without such perks. Negotiating effectively is crucial; emphasizing skills, certifications like DANB, and experience can yield better compensation in this competitive market.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Rochester in 2026?
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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 Rochester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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