Healthcare South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in South Dakota

The median dental assistant salary in South Dakota is $37,409 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$37,409
vs National
$-5,101
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Dental Assistant Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,040 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,280
$-3,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,840
$-5,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $30,800
Median (50th) $37,409
75th Percentile $45,760
90th Percentile $52,800

Dental Assistant Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Sioux Falls, SD
$39,109
Pop. 192,517 · COL 92%
Rapid City, SD
$38,259
Pop. 74,703 · COL 90%
Aberdeen, SD
$35,708
Pop. 28,324 · COL 84%
Brookings, SD
$36,559
Pop. 24,194 · COL 86%
Mitchell, SD
$34,858
Pop. 15,660 · COL 82%

How to Become a Dental Assistant in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in South Dakota

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in South Dakota

Browse open dental assistant positions in South Dakota:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Dental Assistant make in South Dakota? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in South Dakota is $37,409 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $52,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,409, a dental assistant in South Dakota earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for dental assistants? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $27,280, while senior professionals earn $51,040.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. South Dakota's median of $37,409 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($37,834) and Missouri ($37,409).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in South Dakota earns approximately $27,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $37,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $51,040.
What city in South Dakota pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for dental assistants, with a median salary of $39,109. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.