Healthcare South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in South Dakota

The median dental laboratory technician salary in South Dakota is $40,357 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $45,860.

Median Salary
$40,357
vs National
$-5,503
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for dental laboratory technician compensation. Dental Laboratory Technician salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $40,357 per year, dental laboratory technicians in South Dakota earn $5,503 less than the national median of $45,860.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $40,357 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $45,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: dental laboratory technicians at the 10th percentile earn $26,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $61,600 — a $35,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Dakota for this role is Sioux Falls, where the median reaches $42,191.

Nationally, dental laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dental laboratory technicians across the country.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,840 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,360
$-5,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $31,680
Median (50th) $40,357
75th Percentile $51,040
90th Percentile $61,600

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary by City in South Dakota

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

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental CeramicsCAD/CAMProsthetic DesignAttention to DetailManual DexterityQuality Control

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, dental laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in South Dakota? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in South Dakota is $40,357 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $61,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,357, a dental laboratory technician in South Dakota earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for dental laboratory technicians? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for dental laboratory technician pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level dental laboratory technicians earn $28,160, while senior professionals earn $59,840.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for dental laboratory technician salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental laboratory technicians is Hawaii at $81,631. South Dakota's median of $40,357 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($40,815) and Missouri ($40,357).
What is the entry-level dental laboratory technician salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level dental laboratory technician in South Dakota earns approximately $28,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $41,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $59,840.
What city in South Dakota pays dental laboratory technicians the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for dental laboratory technicians, with a median salary of $42,191. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.