Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Woodbury, MN: $30.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Woodbury, MN runs $30.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,754 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Woodbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,255 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Woodbury, MN, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $30.65, which significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive pay structure benefits those seeking part-time opportunities, such as a 3-day workweek in various settings like general dental practices and specialty clinics. For example, part-time roles typically averaging 24 hours a week allow for flexible schedules while still providing a solid hourly income. The hourly compensation ranges from $23.71 for entry-level positions to $38.80 for those in top-tier roles, reflecting the high demand in an industry that increasingly values experience and skill, evidenced by a growing need for certified assistants through organizations like DANB.
About the Woodbury 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) | $23.71 | $189.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.06 | $224.52 |
| Median (P50) | $30.65 | $245.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.74 | $293.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.80 | $310.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodbury
Based on $30.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.65/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodbury, MN can expect to earn approximately $63,759 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,784. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Woodbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,226.13 | $5,313 | $63,759 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.68 | $3,188 | $38,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.45 | $2,125 | $25,503 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Woodbury) | $30.65 |
| 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 Woodbury, MN earn a median of $63,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.59% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.30% above the Minnesota state average of $62,936.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.65/hr = $38,255/year (purchasing power: $38,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,759/year (purchasing power: $64,730).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Woodbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Woodbury grew 19.9% from $24.78/hr (2019) to $29.72/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.62/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 Woodbury 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 Woodbury
When considering long-term sustainability in the field, the earnings vary widely based on the nature of employment. For part-time dental assistants working 24 hours each week, their annual take-home could be around $38,171, considerably less than their full-time counterparts, yet attractive for those balancing other commitments. Per diem dental assistant pay in Woodbury offers an interesting alternative, with rates typically ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, escalating to $28 to $45 for specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics. Agencies such as Cloud Dentistry or GoTu facilitate connections for dental assistants looking for flexible, short-term shifts. While hourly pay can be enticing, many dental assistants weigh the benefits of consistent employment, such as health insurance and retirement plans, against potentially higher wages offered in temporary roles. Understanding pay structures across different employer types—ranging from family-owned practices to corporate chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental—can provide invaluable insight when negotiating pay rates, emphasizing the importance of remaining proactive in discussions about salary and benefits in Woodbury’s evolving dental landscape.
More salary data for Woodbury, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Woodbury 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 Woodbury. 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 Woodbury 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