Dental Hygienist Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $68,376 (2026)

Dental Hygienist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median dental hygienist salary of $68,376, which is $3,256 below the South Dakota state average of $71,632. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $68,376 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for dental hygienists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Aberdeen spans from $48,888 at the 10th percentile to $90,888 at the 90th percentile — a $42,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,200. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,200

$-8,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$67,200

$-12,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$88,200

$-16,800 vs national

Percentile	Aberdeen	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$48,888	$51,216	$58,200
25th Percentile	$56,784	$59,488	$67,600
Median (50th)	$68,376	$71,632	$81,400
75th Percentile	$82,320	$86,240	$98,000
90th Percentile	$90,888	$95,216	$108,200

Percentile

Aberdeen

10th Percentile

$48,888

25th Percentile

$56,784

Median (50th)

$68,376

75th Percentile

$82,320

90th Percentile

$90,888

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Aberdeen

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

The median dental hygienist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $68,376 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $48,888 (10th percentile) to $90,888 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $68,376, a dental hygienist in Aberdeen earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼

Aberdeen's median dental hygienist salary of $68,376 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $71,632. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $68,376 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Aberdeen? ▼

Most dental hygienist positions in Aberdeen require a associate's degree. Key skills include Dental Cleaning, X-ray Imaging, Patient Education, Periodontal Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota