Healthcare Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Dental Assistant Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median dental assistant salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $39,109 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$39,109
vs State Avg
+$1,700
vs National
$-3,401
Cost of Living
92%

Dental Assistant Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux Falls offers a median dental assistant salary of $39,109, which is $1,700 above the South Dakota state average of $37,409. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Sioux Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Sioux Falls spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $55,200 at the 90th percentile — a $27,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,520, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,360. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $28,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,520
$-2,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,560
$-3,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $32,200
Median (50th) $39,109
75th Percentile $47,840
90th Percentile $55,200

Dental Assistant Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Rapid City, SD
$38,259
Pop. 74,703
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 Sioux Falls

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open dental assistant positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $39,109 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $55,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,109, a dental assistant in Sioux Falls earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median dental assistant salary of $39,109 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $37,409. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $39,109 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Sioux Falls 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.