Dental Assistant Salary in Maplewood, MN: $60,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Maplewood, MN earns a median $60,655/year (≈ $29.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Maplewood's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $61,579 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maplewood, Minnesota, dental assistants can expect a median salary of $60,655 in 2026, reflecting a healthy 22.34% increase compared to the national average of $49,579. The salary range for this profession offers diversity as well, spanning from $50,336 at the 10th percentile to $76,873 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations, highlighting local dynamics that impact earnings. With the rise of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen, the pay scale is influenced significantly, often favoring structured compensation within larger practices over the more flexible options available in solo practices. This creates a distinct choice for dental assistants balancing their career path against the compensation structure available in different types of dental practices.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,336 | $24.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,898 | $27.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,655 | $29.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,008 | $35.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,873 | $36.96 |
Median Salary Position
22.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maplewood
In Maplewood, MN, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,537 (2026 est.). At $60,655, the local median is 22.34% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Maplewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Maplewood Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Maplewood median: $60,655/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maplewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $62,920 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +22.34% more |
Dental Assistants in Maplewood, MN earn a median of $60,655 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.34% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.60% below the Minnesota state average of $62,920.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maplewood has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Maplewood, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $60,655 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,579 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,033
2025 BLS Actual
$58,808
2026 Current Est.
$60,655
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Maplewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,033 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,379 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,296 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,832 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,936 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,808 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,559 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maplewood metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $49,033 (2019) to $58,808 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,559 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,526 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maplewood 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,336 – $57,898 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,898 – $60,655 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,655 – $73,008 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,008 – $76,873 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Maplewood
In the current job market in Maplewood, only 10 dental assistants are employed, indicating a relatively small professional community. Despite the lower cost-of-living index of 98.5, which suggests that living expenses may be more manageable than in other areas, the purchasing power of dental assistants may still feel constrained. Large group practices and DSOs typically pay more than specialty offices, making them attractive workplaces for those seeking higher wages. Factors contributing to income disparities include the type of practice, the level of specialization, and credentials such as Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) designations where applicable. Additionally, dental assistants who serve as treatment coordinators or take on lead roles often see better remuneration. For professionals in Maplewood, gaining certifications from recognized bodies like DANB and pursuing additional training can be effective strategies for enhancing earning potential in a competitive environment.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $58,808 for dental assistantsin the Maplewood metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maplewood 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