Healthcare North Dakota (ND) Rank #38 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in North Dakota

The median dental assistant salary in North Dakota is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$38,259
vs National
$-4,251
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Dental Assistant Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for dental assistant compensation. Dental Assistant salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $38,259 per year, dental assistants in North Dakota earn $4,251 less than the national median of $42,510.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $38,259 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $42,510 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: dental assistants at the 10th percentile earn $27,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $54,000 — a $27,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $39,959.

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dental assistants across the country.

Dental Assistant Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $31,500
Median (50th) $38,259
75th Percentile $46,800
90th Percentile $54,000

Dental Assistant Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in North Dakota

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Dental Assistant make in North Dakota? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in North Dakota is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $54,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,259, a dental assistant in North Dakota earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for dental assistants? ▼
North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $27,900, while senior professionals earn $52,200.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. North Dakota's median of $38,259 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($38,259) and Nebraska ($38,259).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in North Dakota earns approximately $27,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $38,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $52,200.
What city in North Dakota pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for dental assistants, with a median salary of $39,959. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.