Healthcare Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Dental Assistant Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median dental assistant salary in Rapid City, SD is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$38,259
vs State Avg
+$850
vs National
$-4,251
Cost of Living
90%

Dental Assistant Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $31,500
Median (50th) $38,259
75th Percentile $46,800
90th Percentile $54,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$39,109
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$36,559
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$35,708
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$34,858
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Rapid City

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open dental assistant positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $54,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,259, a dental assistant in Rapid City earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Rapid City's median dental assistant salary of $38,259 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $37,409. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD? ▼
Rapid City has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $38,259 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Rapid City? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.