Healthcare Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Dental Assistant Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median dental assistant salary in Rochester, MN is $43,360 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$43,360
vs State Avg
+$425
vs National
+$850
Cost of Living
98%

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

Rochester offers a median dental assistant salary of $43,360, which is $425 above the Minnesota state average of $42,935. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Rochester pays above average for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% 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 Rochester spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $61,200 at the 90th percentile — a $30,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,620, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,160. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $31,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,620
+$620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,860
+$860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,160
+$1,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $35,700
Median (50th) $43,360
75th Percentile $53,040
90th Percentile $61,200

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
Duluth, MN
$39,959
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Rochester

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rochester 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 Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Rochester

Browse open dental assistant positions in Rochester, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Rochester

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $43,360 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $61,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,360, a dental assistant in Rochester earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Rochester's median dental assistant salary of $43,360 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $42,935. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $43,360 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Rochester? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Rochester 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.