Healthcare Saint Paul, MN Pop. 311,527

Dental Assistant Salary in Saint Paul, Minnesota

The median dental assistant salary in Saint Paul, MN is $44,210 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 3.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$44,210
vs State Avg
+$1,275
vs National
+$1,700
Cost of Living
100%

Dental Assistant Pay in Saint Paul: What to Expect (2026)

Saint Paul offers a median dental assistant salary of $44,210, which is $1,275 above the Minnesota state average of $42,935. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Saint Paul pays above average for this role.

Saint Paul's cost of living is 100% 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 Saint Paul spans from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $62,400 at the 90th percentile — a $31,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,240, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,320. With a population of 311,527, Saint Paul is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Saint Paul by Experience

In Saint Paul, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $32,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,240
+$1,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
+$1,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,320
+$2,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Saint Paul, MN

Percentile Saint Paul
10th Percentile $31,200
25th Percentile $36,400
Median (50th) $44,210
75th Percentile $54,080
90th Percentile $62,400

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, MN
$46,336
Pop. 429,954
Bloomington, MN
$45,061
Pop. 89,987
Rochester, MN
$43,360
Pop. 121,395
Duluth, MN
$39,959
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Saint Paul

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Saint Paul

Browse open dental assistant positions in Saint Paul, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Saint Paul

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Saint Paul, MN? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Saint Paul, Minnesota is $44,210 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $31,200 (10th percentile) to $62,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Saint Paul? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,210, a dental assistant in Saint Paul earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Paul compare to the Minnesota state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Saint Paul's median dental assistant salary of $44,210 is 3.0% above the Minnesota state average of $42,935. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Paul, MN? ▼
Saint Paul has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $44,210 in Saint Paul has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Saint Paul? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Saint Paul 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.