Dental Assistant salary in South Dakota
Dental Assistants in South Dakota earn a median of $47,900 a year ($23.03 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,290 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,190 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,310 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $48,070. South Dakota ranks 26th of 50 states for dental assistants pay. There are 2.8 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $50,170, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,190 | $18.36 |
| 25th percentile | $47,060 | $22.62 |
| Median | $47,900 | $23.03 |
| 75th percentile | $57,890 | $27.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,310 | $28.99 |
| Average (mean) | $50,170 | $24.12 |
Half of dental assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,991.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,995.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,842.31 |
| Weekly | $921.15 |
| Hourly | $23.03 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $47,900 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Assistant salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $48,890 | 450 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $48,590 | 190 |
| Rapid City, SD | $47,850 | 320 |
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 |
| Maine | $60,070 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 |
| Oregon | $59,490 |
| Washington | $58,090 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 |
| Alaska | $57,710 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $42,330 | $20.35 |
| Phlebotomist | $39,560 | $19.02 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $44,610 | $21.45 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $46,070 | $22.15 |
| Massage Therapist | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $36,130 | $17.37 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,800 | $18.65 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $37,740 | $18.15 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $49,310 | $23.71 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $56,180 | $27.01 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $31,330 | $15.06 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in South Dakota?
The median salary for dental assistants in South Dakota is $47,900 a year, or $23.03 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,190 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,310 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of dental assistants in South Dakota earn at least $60,310 a year. The top 25% earn $57,890 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,190 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $47,060 or less.
How many dental assistants work in South Dakota?
About 1,290 dental assistants are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.