Dentist Salary in South Dakota
Based on 390+ workers in South Dakota
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$158,140
$76.03/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-10.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$95K – $251K
390 employed in South Dakota
Salary Distribution — Dentist in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $94,560 |
| 25th percentile | $104,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $158,140 |
| 75th percentile | $191,280 |
| 90th percentile | $250,780 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dentist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dentists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dentists in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $208,220 | 90 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $193,760 | 1K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $193,060 | 610 |
| Finance and Insurance | $179,740 | 140 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,970 | 30 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dentist in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,610 |
| 2023 | $124,330 |
| 2024 | $162,860 |
| 2025 | $158,140 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,140 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,610 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $124,330 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $162,860 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $158,140 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,140 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $104,540 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $158,140 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $191,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $250,780 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Dentist ($158,140 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in SD | $586,010 | +270.6% | $281.74/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SD | $393,870 | +149.1% | $189.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SD | $297,610 | +88.2% | $143.08/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in SD | $280,520 | +77.4% | $134.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SD | $263,930 | +66.9% | $126.89/hr |
| Pediatrician in SD | $257,610 | +62.9% | $123.85/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SD | $239,970 | +51.7% | $115.37/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SD | $226,180 | +43.0% | $108.74/hr |
| Pharmacist in SD | $146,790 | -7.2% | $70.57/hr |
| Physician Assistant in SD | $133,200 | -15.8% | $64.04/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in SD | $128,840 | -18.5% | $61.94/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in SD | $122,050 | -22.8% | $58.68/hr |