Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in St. Louis Park, MN: $29.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in St. Louis Park, MN runs $29.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against St. Louis Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,363 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $29.14, dental assistants in St. Louis Park, MN, earn significantly more than the national hourly median of $23.84. This attractive pay reflects the cost of living in the area and is particularly beneficial for part-time and per-diem workers. Those working three days a week can expect a solid income while enjoying a flexible schedule catered to their needs. The hourly rates vary widely, ranging from $23.30 for entry-level positions to $36.96 for top earners, highlighting the potential for advancement and specialization within various settings like general dental practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics.
About the St. Louis Park 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) | $23.30 | $186.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.14 | $217.09 |
| Median (P50) | $29.14 | $233.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.03 | $280.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.96 | $295.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Louis Park
Based on $29.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.14/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Louis Park, MN can expect to earn approximately $60,605 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,964. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Louis Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Louis Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,165.48 | $5,050 | $60,605 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $699.29 | $3,030 | $36,363 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.19 | $2,020 | $24,242 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (St. Louis Park) | $29.14 |
| 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 St. Louis Park, MN earn a median of $60,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.24% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.70% below the Minnesota state average of $62,935.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.14/hr = $36,363/year (purchasing power: $36,917).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,605/year (purchasing power: $61,528).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in St. Louis Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in St. Louis Park grew 19.9% from $23.55/hr (2019) to $28.25/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.05/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 St. Louis Park 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 St. Louis Park
Part-time dental assistants in St. Louis Park can expect to take home approximately $41,000 annually while working 24 hours per week, which illustrates that the income potential is substantial, even without a full-time commitment. Many per-diem dental assistants earn between $22 and $35 per hour, while those in specialized roles may see rates climb to $28-$45 per hour. Staffing agencies like Cloud Dentistry and GoTu provide flexible options, connecting dental professionals with temporary shifts. While general practices often set lower wages, benefits like health insurance can make working with larger dental service organizations (DSOs) more appealing despite a lower hourly rate. Understanding the different pay scales and leveraging negotiation for better compensation in St. Louis Park can enhance career satisfaction for dental assistants.
More salary data for St. Louis Park, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in St. Louis Park 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 St. Louis Park. 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 St. Louis Park 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