How Much Does a Dental Assistant Make in North Dakota in 2026?

A typical Dental Assistant in North Dakota earns about $27.78 per hour ($57,770 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). Broken down further, this translates to roughly $4,814 per month or $1,111 per week, as calculated from the annual figure. These figures reflect steady full-time compensation in dental practices across the state.

State earnings stand 20% above the national typical wage of $48,070 per year, or $23.11 per hour. North Dakota ranks 8th among all 50 states for dental assisting wages. The state supports a total workforce of 860 Dental Assistants, showing a compact healthcare community with strong baseline compensation.

Entry-level positions in North Dakota typically offer around $21.00 per hour, which equals $43,680 per year. New practitioners usually begin in this range while developing clinical proficiencies and office familiarity. Pay moves toward the typical figure within a few years as assistants master chairside procedures and office workflow.

Experienced Dental Assistants often earn upwards of $28.98 per hour, or $60,270 per year. The top 10% of earners make over $34.96 per hour, exceeding $72,710 annually. That creates an entry-to-top spread of $29,030, with differences driven by specialty settings, years in clinical practice, and metropolitan location.

In 2015, the typical annual wage for a Dental Assistant in North Dakota was $39,890. By 2025, that figure rose to $57,770, marking an increase of $17,880. This shift represents a overall gain of 45% over the ten-year period across local dental facilities.

This upward movement surpassed the national decade rise of 34% across the profession. While past wage movement describes historical shifts rather than guaranteed future increases, it shows a steady upward path for practitioners in the state. Pay has moved up consistently across North Dakota over the decade.

Earnings vary slightly depending on metropolitan boundaries. Bismarck offers the highest pay in the state, with typical earnings of $28.35 per hour ($58,960 per year). This puts Bismarck approximately 2% above the statewide typical figure. Grand Forks and Minot both match the statewide mark at $57,770 annually.

Fargo reports the lowest rate among major areas at $27.38 per hour ($56,940 annually). This establishes a city spread of just $2,020 between highest and lowest markets. City figures cover each city's full metro area. Fargo also employs the largest Dental Assistant workforce at 330 workers, where lower pay usually tracks lower living costs.

Regional comparisons show mixed patterns across state borders. Minnesota offers higher earnings at $65,270 per year, which sits 13% above North Dakota. Conversely, South Dakota pays $47,900 annually, trailing North Dakota by 17%, while Montana pays $46,680 per year, or 19% below North Dakota. Licensure in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby one.

Typical North Dakota pay stands at $57,770 per year, reflecting a steady decade rise of 45% across clinics statewide. Workers planning a career here can review the state licensing or registry page for requirements and explore individual city pages for local figures to evaluate their path.