Dental Assistant Salary in Dickinson, ND: $44,600 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Dickinson, ND earns a median $44,600/year (≈ $21.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Dickinson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $48,478 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dickinson, North Dakota, the projected 2026 dental assistant salary is $44,600 annually, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,579. This compensation range varies significantly from $34,388 at the 10th percentile to $57,765 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse earning potential within the field. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, reveal that rates reflect not only the general market conditions but also the influence of specialized practices in oral surgery and orthodontics, where premium pay can improve overall earnings. Understanding these nuances is crucial for those considering their career path in dental assisting in Dickinson.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,388 | $16.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,634 | $19.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,600 | $21.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,802 | $24.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,765 | $27.78 |
Median Salary Position
10.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson
In Dickinson, ND, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,377 (2026 est.). At $44,600, the local median is 10.04% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dickinson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dickinson Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Dickinson median: $44,600/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dickinson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $45,603 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -10.04% less |
Dental Assistants in Dickinson, ND earn a median of $44,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.20% below the North Dakota state average of $45,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dickinson has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dickinson, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $44,600 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,478 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$36,054
2025 BLS Actual
$43,242
2026 Current Est.
$44,600
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,054 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,044 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,777 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,318 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,866 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,380 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,242 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,600 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,000 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dickinson metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,054 (2019) to $43,242 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,000 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,946 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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) | $34,388 – $40,634 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,634 – $44,600 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,600 – $51,802 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,802 – $57,765 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Dickinson
When analyzing the job market for dental assistants in Dickinson, it’s evident that there are currently just four professionals employed in this role, which may indicate limited competition or specific practice needs. The cost of living index stands at 92, denoting a below-average living expense relative to the national average, thereby enhancing the purchasing power of local dental assistant salaries. Employers such as orthopedic and oral surgery practices tend to offer the highest pay, driven by the demand for specialized skills and credentials. Additionally, those with expanded function authority (EFDA) or who take on dual roles as treatment coordinators may see enhanced pay levels in this market. For dental assistants aiming to optimize their income, pursuing further certifications through organizations like DANB, building experience in dynamic settings such as dental service organizations (DSOs), and actively seeking roles in higher-paying specialties can be strategic moves.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Dickinson, ND in 2026?
Is Dickinson, ND a good place to work as a dental assistant?
Can dental assistants make $100K in Dickinson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Dickinson?
How much does a dental assistant make per hour in Dickinson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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 $43,242 for dental assistantsin the Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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