Dental Assistant Salary in Winona, MN: $59,635 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Winona, MN earns a median $59,635/year (≈ $28.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Winona's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $60,543 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winona, Minnesota, dental assistants can expect to earn a median annual salary of $59,635 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $49,579. The salary range for this role in the area extends from $47,909 at the 10th percentile to $73,794 at the 90th percentile. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect a competitive advantage for dental assistants in specialty practices like oral surgery and orthodontics. The local job market is poised for growth, making Winona an attractive location for aspiring dental professionals looking to enhance their earnings potential.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,909 | $23.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,709 | $26.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,635 | $28.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,556 | $33.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,794 | $35.48 |
Median Salary Position
20.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
In Winona, MN, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,885 (2026 est.). At $59,635, the local median is 20.28% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winona Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Winona median: $59,635/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $62,906 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +20.28% more |
Dental Assistants in Winona, MN earn a median of $59,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.28% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $62,906.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winona 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.
Winona, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $59,635 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,543 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,209
2025 BLS Actual
$57,819
2026 Current Est.
$59,635
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,209 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,532 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,501 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,541 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,635 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,507 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winona metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $48,209 (2019) to $57,819 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,507 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,298 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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) | $47,909 – $55,709 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,709 – $59,635 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,635 – $70,556 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,556 – $73,794 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Winona
Examining the local market, only four dental assistants are currently employed in Winona, highlighting a niche for growth amidst a relatively low cost of living index at 98.5. This economic reality enhances purchasing power, allowing assistants to maintain a decent standard of living. Top-paying employers in the region often include specialty practices such as orthodontists and oral surgery clinics, where skills like Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) are in demand. Variations in salaries typically stem from the specialization of roles, including treatment coordinator positions that combine administrative and clinical duties. For dental assistants in Winona, obtaining certification from DANB, pursuing expanded function credentials, or considering opportunities in dental service organizations (DSOs) can be effective strategies to command higher pay and achieve professional growth.
More salary data for Winona, 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 $57,819 for dental assistantsin the Winona 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 Winona 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