Dental Assistant salary in North Dakota
Dental Assistants in North Dakota earn a median of $57,770 a year ($27.78 an hour), based on BLS data for 860 workers.
Pay ranges from $43,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,710 for the top 10%. That is 20% higher than the national median of $48,070. North Dakota ranks 8th of 50 states for dental assistants pay. There are 2.0 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.80). The average (mean) salary is $56,450, close to the median.
Pay range for dental assistants in North Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,680 | $21.00 |
| 25th percentile | $47,150 | $22.67 |
| Median | $57,770 | $27.78 |
| 75th percentile | $60,270 | $28.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,710 | $34.96 |
| Average (mean) | $56,450 | $27.14 |
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 | $4,814.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,407.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,221.92 |
| Weekly | $1,110.96 |
| Hourly | $27.78 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $57,770 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 cities in North Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | $58,960 | 210 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $57,770 | 110 |
| Minot, ND | $57,770 | 70 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $56,940 | 330 |
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 |
Related jobs in North Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $45,980 | $22.11 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $38,910 | $18.71 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,160 | $17.87 |
| Phlebotomist | $47,430 | $22.81 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $44,660 | $21.47 |
| Massage Therapist | $74,140 | $35.65 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $39,440 | $18.96 |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,820 | $22.03 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $60,970 | $29.31 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $37,680 | $18.11 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $63,520 | $30.54 |
| Orderly | $38,240 | $18.39 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in North Dakota
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 North Dakota?
The median salary for dental assistants in North Dakota is $57,770 a year, or $27.78 an hour. Pay ranges from $43,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,710 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in North Dakota?
The top 10% of dental assistants in North Dakota earn at least $72,710 a year. The top 25% earn $60,270 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in North Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $43,680 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $47,150 or less.
How many dental assistants work in North Dakota?
About 860 dental assistants are employed in North Dakota, not counting the self-employed.