Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Grand Forks, ND: $28.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Grand Forks, ND runs $28.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,584 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Grand Forks's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.7, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,758 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Forks, North Dakota, dental assistants are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $28.65 in 2026, notably higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive pay opens opportunities for part-time and per-diem roles, such as working three days a week in various clinical settings—ranging from general dentistry offices to specialized pediatric and oral surgery practices. For those entering the field, hourly earnings can range from $22.46 at the lower end to $34.79 for experienced professionals. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, reflects the robust demand for dental assistants in Grand Forks, further enhancing the appeal of a career in this profession.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.46 | $179.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.20 | $193.57 |
| Median (P50) | $28.65 | $229.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.66 | $237.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.79 | $278.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Forks
Based on $28.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.65/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Forks, ND can expect to earn approximately $59,597 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,383. With a cost-of-living index of 86.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Forks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Forks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,146.09 | $4,966 | $59,597 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.66 | $2,980 | $35,758 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.44 | $1,987 | $23,839 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Grand Forks) | $28.65 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $59,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.18% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 30.60% above the North Dakota state average of $45,623.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.65/hr = $35,758/year (purchasing power: $41,261).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,597/year (purchasing power: $68,768).
CoL index: 86.663 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Grand Forks grew 22.9% from $22.60/hr (2019) to $27.78/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.55/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Grand Forks
For dental assistants considering part-time work, the earning potential for a typical three-day workweek results in a take-home amount that, while lower than full-time earnings, can still be substantial. Part-time dental assistants working 24 hours weekly may realistically accumulate a stable income without the commitment of full-time hours. Additionally, per diem dental assistant pay in Grand Forks typically varies between $22 and $35 per hour, and those in specialized roles—such as in oral surgery or orthodontics—can bill up to $45 per hour. Hourly rates differ based on employer type; dental assistants in group practices backed by DSO chains might face standardized pay scales, which can be less flexible compared to independent offices. It’s worth considering health insurance benefits when negotiating pay, as some may favor a lower hourly rate for comprehensive coverage. Local dental assistants should be strategic in discussions, especially in an evolving market shaped by growing DSO influence and varied state regulations on expanded function.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
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 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Grand Forks. 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 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov