What the numbers say
Dental Hygienists in Minnesota earned a median of $98,970 in 2024, about 5% above the national median of $94,162. That premium is modest but consistent with what we see across several upper-Midwest states where dental staffing is tight and clinic networks are well-established.
The wage range is notably compressed here. The 10th percentile starts at $78,720 and the 90th tops out at $105,490, a spread of roughly $27,000 from bottom to top. By comparison, many clinical occupations show spreads two or three times wider. For Dental Hygienists in Minnesota, experience and seniority move the needle less than they do in fields with steeper career ladders. Most earners land somewhere in a fairly predictable band.
Minnesota's cost-of-living index sits at 96.9, just below the national baseline of 100. That makes the nominal premium worth a bit more in real terms. At that index, the $98,970 median buys slightly more than the same number would in an average-cost state, closing some of the gap between Minnesota and higher-paying but more expensive states like California or Massachusetts.
BLS projects employment in this occupation to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034, a pace it classifies as faster than average. Demand is tied closely to population growth and insurance coverage rates rather than technology cycles, which tends to produce steadier hiring patterns than some other healthcare roles.
Salary distribution
Where Minnesota dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $86,230 and $101,270, with a median of $98,970.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Minnesota
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Minnesota over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record and review patient medical histories.
- 02
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- 03
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- 04
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- 05
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- 06
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- 07
Expose and develop x-ray film.
- 08
Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for dental hygienists in major Minnesota metropolitan areas.
- Minneapolis$100,560
Compare Dental Hygienists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Minnesota?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Minnesota is $98,970.
- How does Minnesota compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Minnesota median is +5.1% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Minnesota?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $78,720 and the 90th-percentile at $105,490, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Dental Hygienists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Dental Hygienists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.