Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Minneapolis, MN: $56.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Minneapolis, MN runs $56.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,194 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Minneapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.8, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,918 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Minneapolis earn a median hourly pay of $56.83, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.49. This rate benefits part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, providing them with competitive earning potential while working in various settings like general dentistry operatories, specialty suites, and public health clinics. The hourly pay in Minneapolis ranges from $43.38 for entry-level positions to $61.64 for those at the higher end of the spectrum. Such numbers reflect the demand and reputation of dental hygienists in Minnesota, as the state offers attractive compensation compared to many other regions due to its strong healthcare system and diverse employment opportunities.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.38 | $347.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.03 | $416.23 |
| Median (P50) | $56.83 | $454.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.01 | $472.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.64 | $493.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minneapolis
Based on $56.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.83/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minneapolis, MN can expect to earn approximately $118,196 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,190. With a cost-of-living index of 104.82 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Minneapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minneapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,273.00 | $9,850 | $118,196 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,363.80 | $5,910 | $70,918 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $909.20 | $3,940 | $47,278 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Minneapolis) | $56.83 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $118,194 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.81% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 12.10% above the Minnesota state average of $105,436.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.83/hr = $70,918/year (purchasing power: $67,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,196/year (purchasing power: $112,759).
CoL index: 104.822 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$37.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.83/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+59.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Minneapolis (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Minneapolis grew 45.1% from $37.33/hr (2020) to $54.15/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.63/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minneapolis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Minneapolis
For dental hygienists working part-time, a common schedule of three days a week (totaling about 24 hours) translates into a substantial portion of their annual earnings. Compared to full-time professionals, these hourly workers can still attain a comfortable income. On the other hand, per diem dental hygienists in Minneapolis are typically compensated by temporary agencies at hourly rates ranging from $40 to $60. However, in higher cost-of-living cities, such as New York and Boston, rates can soar to $60 to $85 per hour. Variations in pay depending on the employer type are evident across the city; solo practices, group practices, DSOs, and public health entities each offer different compensation scales. While some dental hygienists might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance benefits, others prioritize higher pay even without the accompanying perks. When negotiating, it’s beneficial for hygienists to highlight their qualifications and any advanced training or certifications they possess. Understanding the compensation landscape in Minneapolis can lead to better job satisfaction and financial rewards in a competitive market.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Minneapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Minneapolis?
Are dental hygienists in Minneapolis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Minneapolis?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Minneapolis?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Minneapolis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov