Dental Hygienist in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Minnesota employs 4,110 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $103,970 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $103,970 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $82,110
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $116,350
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $120,270
- Employed in Minnesota
- 4,110
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Minnesota markets:
- Minneapolis
- $112,630 (2,590 employed)
- Rochester
- $103,440 (180 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $100,480 (220 employed)
- Duluth
- $98,600 (220 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $92,350 (250 employed)
- Fargo
- $84,390 (240 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $103,970 median stretches to roughly $105,446 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +9.8%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 340 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
Dental Hygienist license — regulated by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
- Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and a clinical/regional exam.
- Apply to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry; renew with continuing education.
Official requirements: Minnesota Board of Dentistry →
Training in Minnesota
One of the best-paid 2-year healthcare paths. Seats are competitive — plan prerequisites early and check program pass rates.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Central Lakes College-Brainerd — Associate
- Century College — Associate
- Dakota County Technical College — Associate
- Hennepin Technical College — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Detail-oriented people who can handle close patient interaction.
Think twice if: Repetitive posture, mouth care, or tight clinical schedules would wear you down.
Why it's resilient: Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
First Steps
Review state licensing rules and nearby accredited dental hygiene programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Minnesota?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Minnesota is $103,970 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $82,110, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $120,270. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Minnesota?
Dental Hygienist license, overseen by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Minnesota?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Minnesota metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $112,630, followed by Rochester ($103,440), St. Cloud ($100,480). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Dental Hygienist in Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Central Lakes College-Brainerd, Century College, Dakota County Technical College. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects dental hygienists employment to change +9.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 340 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Minnesota Board of Dentistry (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Minnesota wages · Minnesota licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.