Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Shakopee, MN: $29.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Shakopee, MN runs $29.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,947 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Shakopee's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,569 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistant hourly pay in Shakopee, MN, is projected to reach a median rate of $29.30, significantly above the national median of $23.84 per hour. This competitive hourly rate benefits those working part-time, such as individuals employed three days a week, and provides a solid foundation for per-diem positions that typically operate within general dentistry and specialty settings. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $24.45 per hour, while those at the upper end of the pay scale may achieve rates as high as $35.68 per hour. These hourly estimates are derived from broader annual salary data, reflecting a comprehensive overview of compensation for various roles within Shakopee's dental landscape.
About the Shakopee 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) | $24.45 | $195.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.14 | $225.09 |
| Median (P50) | $29.30 | $234.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.31 | $274.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.68 | $285.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shakopee
Based on $29.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.30/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shakopee, MN can expect to earn approximately $60,948 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,162. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shakopee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shakopee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,172.08 | $5,079 | $60,948 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.25 | $3,047 | $36,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.83 | $2,032 | $24,379 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Shakopee) | $29.30 |
| 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 Shakopee, MN earn a median of $60,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.93% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.10% below the Minnesota state average of $62,897.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.30/hr = $36,569/year (purchasing power: $37,126).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,948/year (purchasing power: $61,876).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Shakopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Shakopee grew 19.9% from $23.69/hr (2019) to $28.41/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.22/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 Shakopee 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 Shakopee
The potential income for a part-time dental assistant working 24 hours a week can yield an annual take-home of approximately $36,543, which illustrates the financial feasibility of a part-time schedule, especially when compared to a full-time position. Per-diem dental assistants in Shakopee typically earn rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, with those in more specialized roles, such as oral surgery or orthodontics, earning even higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. Given the presence of diverse employer types—from solo practices and large dental service organizations (DSOs) to specialty offices—the hourly pay can fluctuate significantly. While some dental assistants may opt for lower-paying roles that offer health insurance benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly wages in nonsalaried positions. Negotiation skills play an important role in securing the best dental assistant hourly rate MN has to offer, enabling DAs to align compensation with their professional needs and preferences.
More salary data for Shakopee, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Shakopee in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Shakopee?
Are dental assistants in Shakopee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Shakopee?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Shakopee?
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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 Shakopee. 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 Shakopee 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