How Much Do Dentists Make in Minnesota? (Average Salaries & Key Factors)
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Average Salary in Minnesota
- Why Median vs. Average Matters
- What Drives Dentist Pay in MN?
- How Much Do New Grads and Veterans Make?
- Do Dental Specialties Earn More?
- Does Location in Minnesota Change Pay?
- Does Practice Type Change Income?
- Education, Residency, and Licensure in MN
- Salary by Specialty: Quick Breakdown
- Job Outlook and Demand in Minnesota
- Real Money: Cost of Living, Debt, and Benefits
- How to Negotiate and Grow Income
- Resources and Tools for MN Dentists
- Expert Notes and Professional Perspective
- References
- Summary of Key Points
You’re probably looking for clear answers about dentist pay in Minnesota. Here, I break down what dentists earn, how it compares to the rest of the country, and what really matters for your take-home pay. From specialties, locations, to the kind of office you work in—see what changes your paycheck fast.
Want to make smart job decisions? Learn what really affects your pay, where the jobs are, and tips to earn more money without burning out.
The Average Dentist Salary in Minnesota: A Simple Overview
People always ask: what do dentists make in MN? The quick answer is it’s pretty good. But it can change a lot based on where you work and your experience.
Problem: You pay a lot for dental school, and business costs are high. It’s normal to worry if being a dentist is still worth it.
Agitate: You work long hours, fix teeth, lead staff, and deal with insurance. You deserve fair pay. But pay ranges are huge depending on city, field, and type of job. One bad work contract can set you back for years.
Solution: Trust the numbers. Know what dentists in your spot earn. Compare your choices. Negotiate your pay. Pick good partners to cut costs. Then your Minnesota dentist salary can line up with your hard work.
Main point: Always check both the average and median pay. The average gets pulled up by a few high earners. The median is what most regular dentists really get.
What is the Average Dentist Salary in Minnesota? (2023–2024 Data)
Here’s the straight deal, using the newest sources: BLS, Payscale, Salary.com, Glassdoor, and Indeed, from late 2023 to early 2024.
| Category / Specialty | Average Yearly Pay (MN) | Median Yearly Pay (MN) | Usual Range (25th–75th) | National Average Pay | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Dentists (General & Special) | $195,000–$225,000 | $185,000–$210,000 | $130,000–$275,000+ | $190,000–$220,000 | BLS, Payscale, Salary.com |
| General Dentists | $175,000–$195,000 | $165,000–$185,000 | $110,000–$250,000 | $180,000–$200,000 | Payscale, Salary.com |
| Orthodontists | $280,000–$320,000 | $270,000–$310,000 | $190,000–$400,000+ | $250,000–$300,000 | BLS, Payscale, Indeed |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons | $300,000–$380,000 | $290,000–$360,000 | $200,000–$500,000+ | $270,000–$350,000 | BLS, Salary.com |
| Pediatric Dentists | $220,000–$260,000 | $210,000–$250,000 | $150,000–$320,000 | $200,000–$240,000 | Payscale, Glassdoor |
| Endodontists | $240,000–$290,000 | $230,000–$280,000 | $160,000–$350,000 | $220,000–$270,000 | Salary.com, Payscale |
| Periodontists | $230,000–$270,000 | $220,000–$260,000 | $150,000–$330,000 | $210,000–$250,000 | Indeed, Payscale |
| Prosthodontists | $200,000–$250,000 | $190,000–$240,000 | $140,000–$300,000 | $190,000–$230,000 | Salary.com |
| New Dentists (0–2 yrs) | $100,000–$140,000 | $110,000–$130,000 | $80,000–$170,000 | $90,000–$130,000 | Indeed, Glassdoor |
| Experienced Dentists (10+ yrs) | $250,000–$350,000+ | $240,000–$330,000+ | $180,000–$500,000+ | $240,000–$340,000+ | Payscale, Salary.com |
The BLS says the average pay for “dentists, all other” in MN was close to $212,570 in 2022. That matches the numbers here.
Why Does Median vs. Average Salary Matter for Dentists in MN?
Average gives you a quick idea, but a few big incomes can make it look too high. The median is the middle number—it’s a better bet for what you’ll probably get as a dentist in Minnesota.
If you’re an associate dentist, compare your number to both the average and median, not just what owners or big city dentists make.
What Are the Main Things That Change Dentist Pay in Minnesota?
Your paycheck can go up or down based on:
- How long you’ve worked: Beginners make less than seasoned owners
- Your field: Ortho, oral surgery, endo, perio, prostho, pedo, and general don’t pay the same
- City or town: Big city vs. small town
- Office type: Private, DSO/corporate, public health, schools, VA
- Ownership: Working for someone vs. owning
- Supply & demand: Too many or too few dentists
- Your bills: Staff pay, rent, insurance, lab costs all add up
- Insurance and patient numbers: How many people you see, what insurance pays out
- Education: DDS or DMD, plus extra training, licenses, and CE
How Much Do New Grads and Experienced Dentists Make in MN?
Just starting out? $100,000–$140,000 is pretty normal. If you’re in a residency, you get paid less (more like a monthly check).
Dentists who’ve been at it a while (say, 5–10 years) can see $175,000–$250,000. More than 10 years, or if you own, can mean $250,000–$350,000+ (or way more if you have a super busy practice).
Do Some Dental Specialties Make More in Minnesota?
Yep. Special training usually means more pay. Oral surgeons and orthodontists usually make the most. Endodontists and periodontists do pretty well, too. Pediatric dentists and prosthodontists aren’t as high as oral surgeons, but can sometimes earn as much as general dentists depending on the area.
Why? These jobs are harder to do, and there aren’t as many who do them.
Does Location in Minnesota Change Dentist Pay?
Yes. In big cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, dentist pay is about 5–10% higher than the state average. Rochester (hello, Mayo Clinic) and Duluth can also pay a bit more. But big city costs—think rent and wages—are also higher.
In small towns pay may seem lower, but business costs are less, so you keep more in your pocket. Some rural areas will even help pay off your student loans if you agree to work there.
Does Office Type and Owning Make a Difference?
Yes again. Practice owners can make the most, but they take more risk and pay bills themselves. Associates get regular pay with less risk. DSO (corporate) jobs have set pay and benefits. Public health and teaching jobs pay less but have work/life balance and sometimes loan help.
Working for a FQHC, VA, or local clinic often means good hours, benefits, and mission-driven work, but not the highest pay.
Schooling, Residency, and Licensure in Minnesota
To work as a dentist, you need a DDS or DMD from a real school. Many MN dentists train at the University of Minnesota. Some get extra training (residency, special programs) to open up more job options and pay.
You also need a state license, pass the tests, and do ongoing learning (CE) to keep up your skills and pay.
Salary by Specialty: Quick Look
Here are the usual pay ranges for each field in MN, from top sources:
- General dentist: $175,000–$195,000
- Orthodontist: $280,000–$320,000
- Oral surgeon: $300,000–$380,000
- Pediatric dentist: $220,000–$260,000
- Endodontist: $240,000–$290,000
- Periodontist: $230,000–$270,000
- Prosthodontist: $200,000–$250,000
Oral surgeons and ortho make the most, mainly because the work is harder and there’s not as many of them. General dentists who offer more services (like implants or clear aligners) can sometimes earn more, too.
Job Outlook and Demand for Dentists in Minnesota
The BLS says dentist jobs should grow by about 6% from 2022–2032. Minnesota matches this. Older folks need more dental work, and new laws make it easier for more people to see a dentist. Suburban and rural spots often need the most new dentists.
Metro areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul always need dentists, but there’s more job competition.
Real Money: Cost of Living, Student Loans, and Perks
What you make is not what you keep. Rent, wages, bills, labs, and insurance fees all take away from your bank account.
- Cost of living: Adjust your pay for things like housing, taxes, and kids
- Student loans: Big school debt changes your real take-home pay
- Benefits: Health plans, retirement funds, and bonuses all matter
- Bonuses: Hitting certain targets at work can boost your pay
- Pay packages: Check for extras like paid CE, insurance, and time off
Other jobs in the office, like hygienist or assistant, have a big effect on your costs as a dentist.
Problem: Your business bills are always there, eating into profit.
Agitate: Prices go up for supplies and staff over time. Insurance might pay you less, but your hours grow.
Solution: Get your systems tight. Make more patients say yes to treatment. Pick a smart lab provider so you save on mistakes and remakes. For example, a good digital lab saves chair time and money: https://istardentallab.com/digital-dental-laboratory
For crowns and bridges, use a lab that keeps it simple and affordable: https://istardentallab.com/crown-and-bridge-dental-laboratory
If you do implants, team up with a reliable shop for fewer mistakes: https://istardentallab.com/implant-dental-laboratory
If you want to add revenue and protect teeth from grinding, try a trusted night guard provider: https://istardentallab.com/night-guard-dental-lab
Pick a few links that work for your practice to cut costs and increase your net income.
Tips to Negotiate and Raise Your Dentist Pay in MN
Here’s how to get the pay you want:
- Know what others are making—check all the salary sites
- Look at the type of job—employee pay is different than being your own boss
- Read the contract, especially bonuses and no-compete parts
- Set real goals for how much work you need to do
- Pick up extra skills: implants, extractions, clear braces
- Make your work smoother with scanning and better lab systems
- Fill your schedule and keep patients coming in
- Keep learning—more training usually means higher pay
Want to own a practice? Learn how to check practice values, what business bills you find, what kind of payments you get from insurance, and how much competition is around. Good owners can keep $250,000–$500,000+, but it takes good planning.
Resources and Tools for Dentists in Minnesota
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Minnesota Dental Association (MDA)
- University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Search Sites: Payscale, Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com
- Local hospitals and clinics (like Mayo and Hennepin Healthcare)
- Dentist networking groups in MN cities
- State board for licenses and CE
Check these for pay updates, rule changes, and business news.
Expert Notes and Professional Perspective
I keep things clear and ask experts for their input, too. Local Minnesota general dentists report a strong need for family care in the suburbs. Specialists get regular referrals from metro and small towns. Public health jobs often trade lower pay for better hours or student loan help. ADA and MDA reports seem to line up with these local takes.
Check all offers against your own research and talk to an accountant. Always double check numbers.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Dentist Jobs & Pay, Minnesota, May 2022
- Payscale, Dentist Salary in Minnesota, 2023–2024
- Salary.com, Dentist and Specialist Salary in Minnesota, 2023–2024
- Glassdoor, Dentist Salaries in Minnesota, 2023–2024
- Indeed, Dentist Salaries in Minnesota, 2023–2024
- ADA, Reports on Dentist Jobs & Pay
- Minnesota Dental Association (MDA), Jobs and Salaries
These get updated often, so always take a fresh look before making a move.
Quick Salary and Job Setting Guide
| Factor | How It Can Change Pay in MN |
|---|---|
| Experience | New: $100k–$140k; Long time: $250k–$350k+ |
| Specialty | Oral surgery/ortho pay best |
| Location | Metro pays higher; rural has lower costs |
| Practice Type | Owners earn more; public health balanced |
| Insurance Mix | More PPO = lower pay; fee-for-service = higher |
| Overhead | Lab, rent, staff, insurance eat net pay |
| CE & License | More skills = more earning |
| Owner vs Employee | Owners take risk and bills; employees steady |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you make good money as a dentist in MN?
A: Yes. With good planning, owners can clear $250,000–$500,000+. Associates often land in the six figures with bonuses.
Q: How does MN dentist pay compare to the U.S.?
A: Minnesota is close to or slightly above the U.S. average ($212,570 in 2022 per BLS).
Q: Which MN cities pay the most?
A: Minneapolis and St. Paul pay the most on paper. Rochester and Duluth are good, too. But adjust for higher business and living costs.
Q: What is the biggest impact on earnings?
A: Your skills, area, job type, what insurance pays, and how much it costs to run your office.
Q: Should new grads look at DSO or private offices?
A: Both work. DSOs give more structure, private can lead to more freedom and pay later. Always read your contract.
Final Notes on Other Jobs and Comparisons
Compare a Minnesota dental hygienist wage to this. Most hygienists do best in busy city clinics. Assistant pay depends on experience and clinic size. Lab techs and denturists earn different amounts based on what they do and how big the place is. Your team’s pay affects what you keep as a dentist.
Watch big picture stuff: health care pay, the general job market, Minnesota’s job and dentist demand and supply. Moving? Take into account cost of living and differences in job pay by city.
Bullet-Point Summary: What to Remember
- Average dentist pay in MN is about $195,000–$225,000; median $185,000–$210,000
- Specialties like surgery and ortho can go $300,000–$380,000+
- Minneapolis and St. Paul pay more up front; rural pay can go further after bills
- Owners have more earning potential; associates take less risk
- Overhead, lab, and insurance cuts into your net pay
- New grads: Start at $100,000–$140,000; 10+ years: $250,000–$350,000+
- Use top sites to check pay: BLS, ADA, MDA, Payscale, Salary.com, Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter
- Make more with new skills, good office systems, and smart lab partners
- Always read work contracts, set real work goals, and try for bonuses and good benefits
- Plan for student loan payments, retirement, and regular learning
