Dental Assistant Salary in South Dakota
Based on 1K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$47,900
$23.03/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-2.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $60K
1K employed in South Dakota
The median Dental Assistant salary in South Dakota is $47,900 per year, which translates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is 2.4% lower than the national average for the profession, with a typical salary range between $38,190 and $60,310 annually.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in South Dakota. These include years of experience, the specific dental practice or clinic, its location within the state, and any specialized certifications or skills a dental assistant may possess. Higher cost of living areas or larger, more established practices often offer more competitive compensation.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,190 |
| 25th percentile | $47,060 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,900 |
| 75th percentile | $57,890 |
| 90th percentile | $60,310 |
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 Dakota 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 Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,337 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Dakota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,900 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,337 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,060 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $57,890 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,310 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Dental Assistant ($47,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in SD | $586,010 | +1123.4% | $281.74/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SD | $393,870 | +722.3% | $189.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SD | $297,610 | +521.3% | $143.08/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in SD | $280,520 | +485.6% | $134.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SD | $263,930 | +451.0% | $126.89/hr |
| Pediatrician in SD | $257,610 | +437.8% | $123.85/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SD | $239,970 | +401.0% | $115.37/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SD | $226,180 | +372.2% | $108.74/hr |
| Dentist in SD | $158,140 | +230.1% | $76.03/hr |
| Pharmacist in SD | $146,790 | +206.5% | $70.57/hr |
| Physician Assistant in SD | $133,200 | +178.1% | $64.04/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in SD | $128,840 | +169.0% | $61.94/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Dental Assistant in South Dakota?
- The median annual salary for a Dental Assistant in South Dakota is $47,900. This means half of all dental assistants in the state earn less than this amount, while the other half earn more.
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in South Dakota?
- Most Dental Assistants in South Dakota can expect to earn between $38,190 and $60,310 annually. The specific amount depends on various factors like experience and location.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistants in South Dakota earn approximately 2.4% less than the national average. The median salary in South Dakota is $47,900 per year compared to the national median.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in South Dakota?
- There are an estimated 1,290 Dental Assistants currently employed in South Dakota. This number reflects the demand for these skilled professionals across the state.