Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,068 | $118,194▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.04 | $56.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,993 | $90,248▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,559 | $108,225▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,436 | $122,738▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,839 | $128,216▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 2,590▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis is $14,126 (13.57%). Minneapolis's median is +14.81% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $44,846,Minneapolis spans $37,968. Cottage Grove has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($112,757 effective) pays 6.72% more than Cottage Grove ($105,653 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,194/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,216)
- ✓Larger job market (2,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,757)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Cottage Grove grew 31.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 45.0% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$75,436 (2020) → $99,169 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$77,650 (2020) → $112,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Cottage Grove or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to Minneapolis as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov