South Carolina ranks 35th of 51 states and D.C. for dental assistants pay, trailing top-paying Minnesota ($64,630) by $18,700 — a 41% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,920 to $58,570 — a $21,650 spread, 15% tighter than the national $25,590 range.
South Carolina employs roughly 1.4% of all dental assistants in the country (5,380 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,920 | $17.75 |
| 25th percentile | $39,210 | $18.85 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $45,930 | $22.08 |
| 75th percentile | $48,900 | $23.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $58,570 | $28.16 |
| Mean (average) | $45,890 | $22.06 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $45,930 | n/a |
| Minnesota | $64,630 | +41% |
| Massachusetts | $57,960 | +26% |
| Oregon | $57,720 | +26% |
| Washington | $57,040 | +24% |
| District of Columbia | $56,500 | +23% |
| Alaska | $55,950 | +22% |
| Maine | $51,340 | +12% |
| North Dakota | $51,310 | +12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $45,950 | 13,950 |
| Firefighters | $45,960 | 7,570 |
| Roofers | $45,860 | 1,060 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $46,080 | 1,460 |
| Community Health Workers | $45,580 | 550 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $46,300 | 21,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistants salary in South Carolina?
The mean dental assistants salary in South Carolina is $45,890 per year. The median (middle) salary is $45,930 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Assistants in South Carolina?
Entry-level dental assistantss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $36,920 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $39,210 per year.
What is the highest Dental Assistants salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $58,570 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $48,900 per year.
How does the South Carolina Dental Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median dental assistants salary in South Carolina is $45,930, which is -3% below national average of $47,300.