Dental Assistant Salary in South Carolina
Based on 6K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$47,320
$22.75/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-3.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $58K
6K employed in South Carolina
The median Dental Assistant salary in South Carolina is $47,320 per year, which translates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is 3.6% lower than the national average for the profession. With 5,530 dental assistants employed in the state, this role plays a vital part in oral healthcare delivery across South Carolina.
Several factors can influence a Dental Assistant salary in South Carolina. These include years of experience, the specific geographic location within the state (e.g., larger cities versus rural areas), the size and type of dental practice, and any specialized certifications or additional responsibilities held by the assistant. Advanced skills can lead to higher earning potential within the provided salary range.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,070 |
| 25th percentile | $43,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,320 |
| 75th percentile | $50,780 |
| 90th percentile | $58,480 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,320 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,740 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,320 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,740 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,320 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $50,780 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $58,480 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Dental Assistant ($47,320 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +659.7% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +622.7% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +538.9% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +461.0% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +405.5% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +405.0% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +401.4% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +358.8% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +268.7% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +253.1% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +235.2% | $76.27/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | +208.4% | $70.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in South Carolina?
- The median Dental Assistant salary in South Carolina is $47,320 annually. This means half of dental assistants earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, Dental Assistants can expect to earn between $37,070 and $58,480 per year. The median salary of $47,320 falls comfortably within this range.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistant salaries in South Carolina are slightly below the national average, by approximately 3.6%. This means that nationally, the median salary is a bit higher than South Carolina's median of $47,320.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in South Carolina?
- There are an estimated 5,530 Dental Assistants currently employed in South Carolina. This indicates a solid presence of the profession within the state's healthcare sector.