Dental Hygienist in Lakeville, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Lakeville Stands

As a local who’s watched Lakeville grow from a quiet suburb to one of the Twin Cities’ most dynamic communities, I can tell you the dental hygiene job market here is robust. The pay is strong, but context is everything. Let’s break down the numbers.

First, the headline figures: The median salary for a Dental Hygienist in Lakeville is $88,711/year, translating to an hourly rate of $88,711 / 2080 = $42.65/hour. This sits comfortably above the national average of $87,530/year. For a metro area with a population of 76,235 and 152 listed jobs, it’s a solid market. The 10-year job growth projection is 9%, which is healthy and indicates sustained demand.

Where does this put you locally? Let’s get specific. Here’s a typical experience-based breakdown for the area. Note: These are estimates based on regional hiring trends and BLS data for the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Lakeville, MN)	Key Market Drivers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $78,000	New graduates often start in larger group practices or corporate dental chains. Benefits are a key differentiator.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$84,000 - $93,000	This is where the median sits. Hygienists with solid experience and a reputation for patient care are in high demand.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$94,000 - $102,000+	Often involves mentoring, specialized skills (e.g., pediatric or periodontal focus), or working at a high-end practice.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$100,000 - $110,000+	May include roles in education, corporate sales (dental products), or managing a multi-hygenist practice.

Context vs. Other MN Cities:

• Minneapolis/St. Paul: Salaries are comparable ($87,000 - $92,000 median), but the cost of living and commute are significantly higher. Lakeville offers a higher quality of life for a similar paycheck.
• Rochester (home to Mayo Clinic): Salaries can be slightly higher (~$90,000 median) due to the Mayo ecosystem, but the job market is smaller and more specialized.
• Duluth & St. Cloud: Salaries are typically 5-10% lower than the Twin Cities metro. Lakeville’s position in the metro gives you access to the highest pay scale without the downtown congestion.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real—salary is just a number until you see what’s left for life. The cost of living in Lakeville is 104.5 (US avg = 100). It’s above average, but not prohibitive. The biggest variable is housing.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Individual Earning $88,711:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$7,393	$88,711 / 12
Taxes (Estimated)	-$1,850	Federal, State (MN), FICA. This is an estimate; use a MN-specific calculator for precision.
Take-Home Pay	~$5,543	Varies based on deductions (health insurance, 401k).
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,201	The city average. Newer complexes in tech corridors run higher; older buildings are lower.
Utilities	-$180	Internet, electricity, gas, water.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Lakeville is car-dependent. Insurance rates are moderate for MN.
Health Insurance	-$200	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Food & Groceries	-$400	Shopping at Cub, Hy-Vee, or local co-ops.
Misc/Entertainment	-$500	Dining out, movies, hobbies. Lakeville has a growing scene.
Remaining	~$2,612	For savings, debt, investments, or a larger home.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely, with planning. The median home price in Lakeville is approximately $415,000. With $2,600+ in monthly surplus after rent and expenses, a dental hygienist can comfortably save for a down payment (20% = $83,000) in 2-3 years. The monthly mortgage on a $415,000 home (with 20% down, 6.5% interest) would be roughly $2,100. This is feasible on a $88,711 salary, especially if you have a partner or roommates. Many hygienists buy homes in neighborhoods like Antler Park or Lake Marion, which offer good value.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakeville's Major Employers

Lakeville’s job market for dental hygienists is diverse, spanning private practices, corporate chains, and specialty clinics. The 152 jobs in the metro often open up here due to the city's growth and family-friendly reputation.

1. Heartland Dental (Multiple Locations): This corporate giant has a significant presence in Lakeville. They often have the highest volume of openings. Pros: structured training, benefits. Cons: corporate pace. Insider Tip: They frequently hire new grads and offer sign-on bonuses.
2. Aspen Dental (Lakeville): Another major corporate chain. Their business model is high-volume, so you’ll see a fast-paced environment. They are consistently hiring and are a good entry point.
3. Dermody Dental Care: A well-regarded, family-owned practice on 165th Street West. They emphasize comprehensive care and a strong patient relationship. Hiring is less frequent but more selective. A great mid-career opportunity.
4. South Lake Dental Care: Located near the Ridgedale Center in nearby Minnetonka, but draws heavily from Lakeville talent. Known for cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Higher-end clientele, often with a higher per-patient production bonus structure.
5. HealthPartners Dental (Lakeville): Part of the large HealthPartners system. Offers excellent benefits, including a dental-only clinic model. Stability is a major draw. They often hire for their Lakeville and Burnsville clinics.
6. Apple Tree Dental (Hastings): A short 20-minute commute east. This is a non-profit focused on underserved populations (including seniors and low-income). A mission-driven role with great work-life balance. Hiring is periodic but impactful.
7. Park Dental (Various Locations): A large Minnesota-based group with clinics in nearby Farmington and Eagan. They have a strong reputation and are a common employer for Lakeville residents. Check their "Careers" page regularly.

Hiring Trends: Demand is steady year-round, with a slight bump in late spring/early summer (as new graduates finalize licensure) and late fall (as practices prepare for the new year). The rise of teledentistry is creating hybrid roles, but in-person hygiene remains the core.

Getting Licensed in Minnesota

Minnesota has specific, rigorous standards. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Education: You must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. This is non-negotiable. Minnesota has several excellent schools, including Saint Paul College and Hennepin Technical College.
2. National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): Pass this exam. It’s administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
3. Clinical Exam: You must pass a regional clinical exam. Minnesota accepts the WREB (Western Regional Examining Board), CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments), or SRTA (Southern Regional Testing Agency). Cost: $800 - $1,200 for the exam itself.
4. Minnesota State Licensure Application: Submit your application to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $150. You’ll need to provide transcripts, exam scores, and proof of CPR certification.
5. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required (fee: ~$50).
6. Sedation Permit (Optional but Recommended): To administer nitrous oxide, you need an additional permit. This requires a separate course and exam (Cost: ~$300).

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you’re in a Minnesota school: You can start the licensing process 3-6 months before graduation. You could be licensed and hired within 1-2 months post-graduation.
• If you’re licensed in another state: Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with most states, but you must still submit an application and may need to take a Minnesota jurisprudence exam. Process time: 2-4 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Lakeville is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown/Civic Center	The core. Walkable to city hall, library, and some restaurants. Commutes are easy via I-35W or 165th St.	$1,300 - $1,450	Young professionals who want to be close to the action.
Lake Marion	Centered around the beautiful 425-acre lake. More residential, with parks and trails. Commute is 10-15 mins to major employers.	$1,250 - $1,400	Those who love outdoor activities (boating, running, ice skating).
Antler Park	A classic, established suburb with mature trees and good schools. Very family-friendly. Quiet streets.	$1,100 - $1,250	Hygienists looking to buy a starter home or start a family.
The Fields/165th Corridor	Newer development with modern apartment complexes and townhomes. Close to shopping (Target, Cub) and major roads.	$1,350 - $1,550	Convenience and modern amenities. Easy access to I-35W for commuting to St. Paul or Minneapolis.
Heritage Park	A master-planned community with a mix of rentals and single-family homes. Has its own amenities and a strong community feel.	$1,200 - $1,350	A balance of suburban comfort and modern living.

Insider Tip: Traffic on 165th Street West and I-35W during rush hour can be challenging. If you work in a Lakeville clinic, living near your workplace can save you 15-20 minutes daily. For those commuting to Minneapolis, neighborhoods near the I-35W corridor (The Fields) are ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A dental hygiene career in Lakeville isn’t a dead-end job; it’s a launchpad.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing can boost your income by 10-20%. The most lucrative in the area are:
  • Periodontal Therapy: Working with a periodontist (gum specialist). Requires additional training but commands the highest hourly rates.
  • Pediatric Dentistry: High demand in family-centric Lakeville. Requires patience and a special rapport with children.
  • Orthodontic Hygiene: Working in an orthodontist's office managing cleanings around braces.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Expertise: Become the go-to hygienist for complex cases (sedation, implant maintenance).
  2. Management: Move into a Lead Hygienist or Office Manager role ($95,000 - $110,000).
  3. Education: Teach at a local dental hygiene school (Hennepin Tech, Saint Paul College).
  4. Corporate Sales: Work for a dental supply company (e.g., 3M, Hu-Friedy) calling on local clinics. Leverages clinical knowledge for a higher salary ($90,000+ with commission).
• 10-Year Outlook (Based on 9% Growth): The 9% growth is driven by an aging population needing more care and increased awareness of oral health's link to overall health (diabetes, heart disease). Lakeville’s aging-in-place community ensures steady demand. The rise of "dental therapists" (a new mid-level provider in MN) may change workflows, but the need for skilled hygienists will only grow.

The Verdict: Is Lakeville Right for You?

Lakeville offers a compelling package for dental hygienists, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s a balanced look.

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary ($88,711) with a reasonable cost of living.	Car-dependent. Public transit is limited; you will need a reliable vehicle.
Strong job market (152 jobs in metro) with diverse employers.	Suburban lifestyle. If you crave urban, walkable nightlife, look toward Minneapolis.
Excellent for families with top-rated schools and safe neighborhoods.	Winters are long and cold. You must be prepared for snow and ice from November to April.
Proximity to the Twin Cities for big-city amenities without the congestion.	Rent can be high for new graduates, though buying a home is achievable.
Outdoor recreation (Lake Marion, Hyland Park Preserve nearby).	The market is competitive; a strong resume and networking are key.

Final Recommendation:
Lakeville is an excellent choice for dental hygienists who value a balanced, suburban lifestyle with strong earning potential. It’s ideal for those planning to start a family, buy a home, or enjoy outdoor activities. If you’re a new graduate, the corporate chains offer a great entry point. For mid-career professionals, the private practices offer stability and community. The data supports the move: you’ll earn a salary well above the national average in a city where your paycheck goes further than in downtown Minneapolis.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new graduate in Lakeville?
A: It’s moderately competitive. While there are openings, employers often prefer candidates with some experience. Insider Tip: It’s smart to apply for jobs in the broader metro (Eagan, Burnsville, Farmington) to increase your chances. Your first job might not be in Lakeville proper, but you can live in Lakeville and commute 10-15 minutes.

Q: Is a 40-minute commute to downtown Minneapolis worth the Lakeville lifestyle?
A: For many, yes. The $88,711 salary in Lakeville goes much further than in the city. You can often negotiate a slightly lower salary for a clinic in Lakeville and still come out ahead financially due to lower rent/mortgage. The commute on I-35W is predictable, but traffic is real. Weigh the cost of time vs. money.

Q: Are there part-time or flexible schedules available?
A: Yes, especially in private practices. Many clinics offer 4-day workweeks or part-time positions (2-3 days). Corporate chains are more likely to offer full-time, 5-day schedules. This flexibility is a major perk for hygienists with young children or other interests.

Q: What’s the best way to network locally?
A: Join the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA). Attend their annual session in Minneapolis. LinkedIn is also powerful—connect with practice owners and managers in Lakeville and the south metro. The Minnesota Dental Hygienists’ Association is another key resource for networking and continuing education.

Q: How do I stand out in my application?
A: Highlight soft skills—communication, patient education, and teamwork. Lakeville practices value hygienists who can build long-term relationships with patients. Also, consider getting your nitrous oxide permit; it’s a small investment that makes you more versatile and hireable.