Dental Hygienist in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
North Dakota employs 660 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $90,530 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $90,530 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $82,890
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $96,170
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,530
- Employed in North Dakota
- 660
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major North Dakota markets:
- Bismarck
- $91,600 (130 employed)
- Minot
- $89,800 (60 employed)
- Fargo
- $84,390 (240 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota
Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $90,530 median stretches to roughly $101,719 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +8.5%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Dental Hygienist license — regulated by the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners.
- Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and a clinical exam.
- Apply to the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners; renew with continuing education.
Official requirements: North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners →
Training in North Dakota
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 North Dakota include:
- North Dakota State College of Science — 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 North Dakota?
The median wage for dental hygienists in North Dakota is $90,530 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $82,890, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,530. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in North Dakota?
Dental Hygienist license, overseen by the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners. Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in North Dakota?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which North Dakota metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Bismarck leads at $91,600, followed by Minot ($89,800), Fargo ($84,390). 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 North Dakota?
Real North Dakota options include North Dakota State College of Science. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects dental hygienists employment to change +8.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners (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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.