South Dakota ranks 23rd of 51 states and D.C. for dental assistants pay, trailing top-paying Minnesota ($64,630) by $16,950 — a 36% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,790 to $60,760 — a $22,970 spread, 10% tighter than the national $25,590 range.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,790 | $18.17 |
| 25th percentile | $44,190 | $21.25 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $47,680 | $22.92 |
| 75th percentile | $57,720 | $27.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,760 | $29.21 |
| Mean (average) | $49,080 | $23.60 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $47,680 | n/a |
| Minnesota | $64,630 | +36% |
| Massachusetts | $57,960 | +22% |
| Oregon | $57,720 | +21% |
| Washington | $57,040 | +20% |
| District of Columbia | $56,500 | +18% |
| Alaska | $55,950 | +17% |
| Maine | $51,340 | +8% |
| North Dakota | $51,310 | +8% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Highway Maintenance Workers | $47,650 | 1,740 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $47,580 | 350 |
| Firefighters | $47,520 | 540 |
| Chemical Technicians | $47,970 | 90 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,030 | 1,310 |
| Community Health Workers | $47,300 | 70 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistants salary in South Dakota?
The mean dental assistants salary in South Dakota is $49,080 per year. The median (middle) salary is $47,680 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Assistants in South Dakota?
Entry-level dental assistantss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $37,790 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $44,190 per year.
What is the highest Dental Assistants salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $60,760 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $57,720 per year.
How does the South Dakota Dental Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median dental assistants salary in South Dakota is $47,680, which is +1% above national average of $47,300.