Healthcare Minnesota (MN) Rank #17 of 50

Dentist Salary in Minnesota

The median dentist salary in Minnesota is $161,974 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$161,974
vs National
+$1,604
State Rank
#17 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Dentist Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #17 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for dentist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $161,974 per year, dentists in Minnesota earn $1,604 more than the national median of $160,370.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning dentist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: dentists at the 10th percentile earn $80,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $254,520 — a $173,720 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $174,803.

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dentists across the country.

Dentist Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level dentist earns around $85,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $237,350 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,850
+$850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$163,620
+$1,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$237,350
+$2,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $80,800
25th Percentile $116,150
Median (50th) $161,974
75th Percentile $210,080
90th Percentile $254,520

Dentist Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for dentists in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in Minnesota

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Minnesota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Dentist make in Minnesota? ▼
The median dentist salary in Minnesota is $161,974 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $80,800 (10th percentile) to $254,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $161,974, a dentist in Minnesota earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for dentists? ▼
Minnesota ranks #17 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $85,850, while senior professionals earn $237,350.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Minnesota's median of $161,974 ranks #17 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($165,181) and Vermont ($165,181).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Minnesota earns approximately $85,850 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $163,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $237,350.
What city in Minnesota pays dentists the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for dentists, with a median salary of $174,803. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.