Dental Assistant Salary in Bismarck, ND: $38,259 (2026)

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

Bismarck offers a median dental assistant salary of $38,259, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $38,259. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck'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 Bismarck spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $54,000 at the 90th percentile — a $27,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,900, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,200. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Percentile	Bismarck	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$27,000	$27,000	$30,000
25th Percentile	$31,500	$31,500	$35,000
Median (50th)	$38,259	$38,259	$42,510
75th Percentile	$46,800	$46,800	$52,000
90th Percentile	$54,000	$54,000	$60,000

Percentile

Bismarck

10th Percentile

$27,000

25th Percentile

$31,500

Median (50th)

$38,259

75th Percentile

$46,800

90th Percentile

$54,000

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Bismarck

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Bismarck and the surrounding North Dakota 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 Bismarck may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Bismarck, ND? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $38,259, a dental assistant in Bismarck earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Bismarck's median dental assistant salary of $38,259 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $38,259. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼

Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $38,259 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Bismarck? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in Bismarck 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.

Dental Assistant Salary in Bismarck, North Dakota