Dental Assistant salary in Fargo, ND-MN
Dental Assistants in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area earn a median of $56,940 a year ($27.38 an hour), based on BLS data for 330 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,450 for the top 10%. That is 18% higher than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 1% lower than the North Dakota statewide median of $57,770. There are 2.2 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $55,220, close to the median.
Pay range for dental assistants in Fargo, ND-MN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,300 | $21.78 |
| 25th percentile | $46,770 | $22.48 |
| Median | $56,940 | $27.38 |
| 75th percentile | $59,960 | $28.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,450 | $33.87 |
| Average (mean) | $55,220 | $26.55 |
Half of dental assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,745 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,372.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,190 |
| Weekly | $1,095 |
| Hourly | $27.38 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $56,940 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $72,370 | 3,910 |
| Rochester, MN | $63,450 | 320 |
| Mankato, MN | $61,010 | 120 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $61,000 | 270 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $59,390 | 310 |
| Bismarck, ND | $58,960 | 210 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $57,770 | 110 |
| Minot, ND | $57,770 | 70 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $48,890 | 450 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $47,180 | 230 |
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 |
| Maine | $60,070 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 |
| Oregon | $59,490 |
| Washington | $58,090 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 |
| Alaska | $57,710 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 |
See Dental Assistant pay in every state or the North Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Fargo, ND-MN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $47,280 | $22.73 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $38,910 | $18.71 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $44,180 | $21.24 |
| Phlebotomist | $47,430 | $22.80 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,100 | $17.36 |
| Massage Therapist | $74,140 | $35.65 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $44,740 | $21.51 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $37,910 | $18.23 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,940 | $19.20 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $37,680 | $18.11 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $63,660 | $30.61 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Fargo, ND-MN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in Fargo, ND-MN?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area is $56,940 a year, or $27.38 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,450 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Fargo, ND-MN?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area earn at least $70,450 a year. The top 25% earn $59,960 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Fargo, ND-MN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,300 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $46,770 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Fargo, ND-MN?
About 330 dental assistants are employed in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area, not counting the self-employed.