Healthcare South Carolina (SC) Rank #41 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in South Carolina

The median dental assistant salary in South Carolina is $37,834 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$37,834
vs National
$-4,676
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Dental Assistant Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,590, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,620 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,590
$-3,410 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,270
$-4,730 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $26,700
25th Percentile $31,150
Median (50th) $37,834
75th Percentile $46,280
90th Percentile $53,400

Dental Assistant Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in South Carolina

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in South Carolina

Browse open dental assistant positions in South Carolina:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Dental Assistant make in South Carolina?
The median dental assistant salary in South Carolina is $37,834 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $26,700 (10th percentile) to $53,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in South Carolina?
Based on the median annual salary of $37,834, a dental assistant in South Carolina earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for dental assistants?
South Carolina ranks #41 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $27,590, while senior professionals earn $51,620.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for dental assistant salary?
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. South Carolina's median of $37,834 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($38,259) and Iowa ($37,834).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in South Carolina?
An entry-level dental assistant in South Carolina earns approximately $27,590 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $38,270. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $51,620.
What city in South Carolina pays dental assistants the most?
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for dental assistants, with a median salary of $44,636. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.