How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make in Minnesota in 2026?

A typical Dental Hygienist in Minnesota earns about $49.99 per hour, or $103,970 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $8,664 a month and $1,999 a week, both calculated from the annual figure. This is the typical pay figure for the role, though actual earnings shift with experience, city, and work setting.

Minnesota pay runs about 6% above the national figure of $98,100 a year ($47.16 an hour), which puts the state 11th among the 50 states for Dental Hygienist pay. Minnesota also employs about 4,110 Dental Hygienists, a workforce size that reflects a solid presence across the state's dental offices and clinics. That combination of higher pay and a sizable workforce makes Minnesota one of the stronger-paying states in the region for the profession.

Entry-level positions for Dental Hygienists in Minnesota typically offer around $39.48 an hour, or about $82,110 a year, according to the same May 2025 wage data. New hygienists usually start near this figure and see pay climb as they gain experience and build a patient base. Within a few years, many reach the state's typical pay of $49.99 an hour, or $103,970 a year.

Experienced Dental Hygienists in Minnesota often earn upwards of $55.94 an hour, or about $116,350 a year, and the top 10% of earners make over $57.82 an hour, or $120,270 a year. The gap between entry-level and top pay comes to about $38,160 a year. Setting, years on the job, and city all play a part in where a hygienist lands within that range.

Dental Hygienist pay in Minnesota climbed from $71,930 in 2015 to $103,970 in 2025, a gain of $32,040, or 45%, over the decade, according to the same wage data. That rise has been fairly steady year over year, with the sharpest jumps coming between 2022 and 2025. Pay has moved in one direction for hygienists in the state across this stretch.

Minnesota's 45% rise over the decade outpaced the national increase of 36% over the same period. That does not guarantee future gains, but it shows pay for Dental Hygienists in the state has moved up substantially in the past ten years. Someone starting out now enters a role whose pay has trended upward, not down.

Pay runs highest in the Minneapolis metro area, where Dental Hygienists typically earn $112,630 a year ($54.15 an hour), about 8% above the state figure. Rochester follows at $103,440 a year, close to the statewide figure. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

Pay runs lowest in the Onalaska area, where Dental Hygienists typically earn $95,950 a year ($46.13 an hour), a spread of $16,680 between the state's highest- and lowest-paying cities. Minneapolis also has the largest Dental Hygienist workforce in the state, with about 2,590 employed there. Cities with higher pay tend to have a higher cost of living, so the gap does not necessarily mean more take-home value.

Minnesota pays Dental Hygienists more than all four of its neighbors. Wisconsin comes closest at $96,540 a year, about 7% below Minnesota's figure, while Iowa trails furthest at $84,010, about 19% lower. South Dakota ($92,210) and North Dakota ($90,530) fall in between. Licensure for Dental Hygienists can often be transferred or endorsed between neighboring states, which makes it easier to compare offers across state lines.

Dental Hygienists in Minnesota typically earn $103,970 a year today, up 45% over the past decade from $71,930 in 2015. That growth, combined with pay that runs above the national figure, has made the state a solid one for the profession. For specific requirements, check Minnesota's dental hygiene licensing board or registry page; for local figures, see the city pages for Minneapolis, Rochester, and other Minnesota metro areas.