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Dental Assistants Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Dental Assistants make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$47,900
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.5% vs 2024
$50,170
Mean Salary
$47,900
Median Salary
$23.03
Hourly Rate
1,290 people work as Dental Assistants in South Dakota

Dental Assistants salary by percentile in South Dakota

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Dental Assistants salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Dental Assistants in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $38,190$38,19025th25% earn less than $47,060$47,060MedianHalf earn more than $47,900$47,90075th75% earn less than $57,890$57,89090thTop 10% earn more than $60,310$60,310

Dental Assistants in South Dakota earn a median salary of $47,900 per year ($3,991/month). This is 2.4% below the national average of $49,100. South Dakota ranks #26 out of 50 states for Dental Assistants pay. Approximately 1,290 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 0.5% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Dental Assistants

Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.38
Reading Comprehension
3.25
Active Learning
3.12
Monitoring
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.54
Medicine and Dentistry
4.41
English Language
3.76
Administration and Management
3.47
Administrative
3.45
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate (46.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Dental Assistants in South Dakota

Salaries for Dental Assistants in South Dakota range from $38,190 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $60,310 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $47,060 and $57,890.

Median $47,900
P10: $38,190 P25: $47,060 P75: $57,890 P90: $60,310
10th
$38,190
25th
$47,060
Median
$47,900
75th
$57,890
90th
$60,310
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $38,190 $18.36 $3,182
25th Percentile $47,060 $22.62 $3,921
Median (50th) $47,900 $23.03 $3,991
75th Percentile $57,890 $27.83 $4,824
90th Percentile (Experienced) $60,310 $29.00 $5,025

Note: The mean (average) salary of $50,170 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#26
South Dakota ranks #26 of 50 states
$49,100
National avg. for Dental Assistants
-2.4%
vs. national average
Near Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in South Dakota:

What does this salary really buy? See Dental Assistants salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Dental Assistants take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Dental Assistants Data in South Dakota

Dental Assistants Salary by State

Compare Dental Assistants pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Dental Assistants make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in South Dakota is $47,900 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $50,170.
What is the salary range for a Dental Assistants in South Dakota?
Salaries for Dental Assistants in South Dakota range from $38,190 at the 10th percentile to $60,310 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $47,060 and $57,890.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Assistants in South Dakota?
Entry-level Dental Assistants positions in South Dakota typically start around $38,190 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $47,060 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Dental Assistants in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,290 people are employed as Dental Assistants in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Dental Assistants in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Dental Assistants in South Dakota is approximately $23.03 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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