Dental Assistant salary in Rochester, MN
Dental Assistants in the Rochester, MN metro area earn a median of $63,450 a year ($30.50 an hour), based on BLS data for 320 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,510 for the top 10%. That is 32% higher than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 3% lower than the Minnesota statewide median of $65,270. There are 2.6 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $61,860, close to the median.
Pay range for dental assistants in Rochester, MN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,090 | $22.16 |
| 25th percentile | $59,820 | $28.76 |
| Median | $63,450 | $30.50 |
| 75th percentile | $72,700 | $34.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,510 | $35.82 |
| Average (mean) | $61,860 | $29.74 |
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 | $5,287.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,643.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,440.38 |
| Weekly | $1,220.19 |
| Hourly | $30.50 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $63,450 salary, see how much house you can afford in Minnesota 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 |
| Mankato, MN | $61,010 | 120 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $61,000 | 270 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $59,390 | 310 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $57,770 | 110 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $56,940 | 330 |
| 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 Minnesota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rochester, MN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $49,830 | $23.96 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $43,180 | $20.76 |
| Phlebotomist | $47,400 | $22.79 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $47,960 | $23.06 |
| Massage Therapist | $56,220 | $27.03 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $39,270 | $18.88 |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,840 | $22.52 |
| Orderly | $48,290 | $23.22 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $73,580 | $35.38 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Rochester, 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 Rochester, MN?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Rochester, MN metro area is $63,450 a year, or $30.50 an hour. Pay ranges from $46,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,510 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Rochester, MN?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Rochester, MN metro area earn at least $74,510 a year. The top 25% earn $72,700 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Rochester, MN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,090 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $59,820 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Rochester, MN?
About 320 dental assistants are employed in the Rochester, MN metro area, not counting the self-employed.