St. Cloud vs Winona: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between St. Cloud, MN and Winona, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Cloud, MN | Winona, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,444▲ | $99,928 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.70▲ | $48.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,335▲ | $79,340 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,687▲ | $86,195 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,514 | $108,127▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,130 | $122,678▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 4 |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winona.
The salary gap between St. Cloud and Winona is $5,516 (5.52%). St. Cloud's median is +2.43% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Cloud spans $18,795,Winona spans $43,338. Winona has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($120,326 effective) pays 18.61% more than Winona ($101,450 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,444/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,326)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Winona if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,678)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in St. Cloud grew 37.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Winona over the same period.
St. Cloud, MN
$73,170 (2020) → $100,480 (2025)
Winona, MN
$72,435 (2020) → $95,224 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Cloud, MN
Winona, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: St. Cloud or Winona?
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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