Dental Assistant Salary in Savage, MN: $60,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Savage, MN earns a median $60,840/year (≈ $29.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Savage's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $61,766 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Savage, Minnesota, the dental assistant salary reflects the state's expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) rules, driving compensation levels significantly above general dental assistant rates. The projected median annual salary in 2026 stands at $60,840, with a full salary range extending from $50,859 at the 10th percentile to $77,618 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, indicate a robust job market for dental assistants in the region. Understanding the earning potential through the lens of specialization and expanded function authority can significantly impact one's career trajectory within Savage’s dynamic dental health landscape.
About the Savage Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,859 | $24.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,300 | $28.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,840 | $29.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,403 | $35.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,618 | $37.32 |
Median Salary Position
22.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Savage
In Savage, MN, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,759 (2026 est.). At $60,840, the local median is 22.71% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Savage: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Savage Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Savage median: $60,840/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Savage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $62,916 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +22.71% more |
Dental Assistants in Savage, MN earn a median of $60,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.71% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the Minnesota state average of $62,916.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Savage 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.
Savage, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $60,840 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,766 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,183
2025 BLS Actual
$58,988
2026 Current Est.
$60,840
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Savage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,183 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,533 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,441 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,522 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,751 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Savage metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $49,183 (2019) to $58,988 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,751 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,568 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Savage 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) | $50,859 – $58,300 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,300 – $60,840 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,840 – $73,403 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,403 – $77,618 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Savage
As of 2026, Savage employs a compact workforce of nine dental assistants, which reflects a niche but dedicated local job market. The cost-of-living index for the area is set at 98.5, slightly below the national average, influencing the purchasing power of take-home salaries. Employers in Savage such as general dental practices and pediatric dental specialty offices often offer competitive wages, with higher pay typically seen in orthodontic and oral surgery practices. Factors contributing to the disparity in salaries include the EFDA credential, which allows dental assistants to perform advanced procedures, and the role's hybrid nature when combined with treatment coordination. To maximize earning potential, dental assistants might consider pursuing further certifications or specializing in high-demand areas, all while actively seeking employment with DSOs like Heartland or Aspen, known for their hierarchical pay scales and benefits.
More salary data for Savage, 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 $58,988 for dental assistantsin the Savage 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 Savage 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