Healthcare Duluth, MN Pop. 90,884

Dental Assistant Salary in Duluth, Minnesota

The median dental assistant salary in Duluth, MN is $39,959 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 6.9% below the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$39,959
vs State Avg
$-2,976
vs National
$-2,551
Cost of Living
90%

Dental Assistant Pay in Duluth: What to Expect (2026)

Duluth offers a median dental assistant salary of $39,959, which is $2,976 below the Minnesota state average of $42,935. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Duluth pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Duluth's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Duluth spans from $28,200 at the 10th percentile to $56,400 at the 90th percentile — a $28,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,140, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $54,520. Duluth is a smaller market (pop. 90,884), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Duluth by Experience

In Duluth, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $29,140, while experienced professionals earn up to $54,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,140
$-1,860 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,420
$-2,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$54,520
$-3,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Duluth, MN

Percentile Duluth
10th Percentile $28,200
25th Percentile $32,900
Median (50th) $39,959
75th Percentile $48,880
90th Percentile $56,400

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, MN
$46,336
Pop. 429,954
Bloomington, MN
$45,061
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$44,210
Pop. 311,527
Rochester, MN
$43,360
Pop. 121,395

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Duluth

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Duluth and the surrounding Minnesota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Duluth may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Duluth

Browse open dental assistant positions in Duluth, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Duluth

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Duluth, MN? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Duluth, Minnesota is $39,959 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $28,200 (10th percentile) to $56,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Duluth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,959, a dental assistant in Duluth earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Duluth compare to the Minnesota state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Duluth's median dental assistant salary of $39,959 is 6.9% below the Minnesota state average of $42,935. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Duluth, MN? ▼
Duluth has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $39,959 in Duluth has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Duluth? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Duluth require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.