Dental Assistant Salary in Moorhead, MN: $60,517 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Moorhead, MN earns a median $60,517/year (≈ $29.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Moorhead's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $61,439 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moorhead, Minnesota, expanded function dental assistants (EFDAs) can expect a median annual salary of $60,517 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49,579. The salary range for dental assistants in the area extends from $50,063 at the 10th percentile to as high as $78,577 at the 90th percentile, reflecting local demand and varied levels of skill and responsibility. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, account for the regional cost of living adjustments, which is particularly relevant given Moorhead's cost of living index at 98.5. The job market is showing continued strength, indicating that the demand for skilled dental assistants is likely to grow, especially as more practices in the area look to hire EFDAs to improve service efficiency.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,063 | $24.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,602 | $27.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,517 | $29.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,456 | $33.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,577 | $37.78 |
Median Salary Position
22.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
In Moorhead, MN, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,514 (2026 est.). At $60,517, the local median is 22.06% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moorhead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moorhead Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Moorhead median: $60,517/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moorhead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $62,908 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +22.06% more |
Dental Assistants in Moorhead, MN earn a median of $60,517 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.06% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $62,908.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moorhead 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.
Moorhead, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $60,517 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,439 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,922
2025 BLS Actual
$58,675
2026 Current Est.
$60,517
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,922 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,265 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,189 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,708 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,807 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,517 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,418 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moorhead metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $48,922 (2019) to $58,675 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,418 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,496 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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) | $50,063 – $57,602 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,602 – $60,517 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,517 – $70,456 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,456 – $78,577 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Moorhead
The local job market for dental assistants in Moorhead currently employs eleven professionals, providing a closely-knit workforce that can benefit from shared expertise. With a cost-of-living index below the national average, take-home purchasing power may feel impactful for dental assistants. Leading pay scales often come from specialized practices such as oral surgery or orthodontic offices, as well as dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen. These employers not only provide competitive wages but also potential stipends for lead or mentor roles. The variation in pay among dental assistants can stem from multiple factors, including EFDA credentials, hybrid roles such as treatment coordinators, and tiered salary structures within DSOs. To maximize earning potential in Moorhead, pursuing certification through DANB, seeking roles in high-paying specialties, and considering positions that offer additional responsibilities or management opportunities can be beneficial.
More salary data for Moorhead, 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 $58,675 for dental assistantsin the Moorhead 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 Moorhead 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