Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| South Dakota | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $47,900 | $48,867 | -2% |
| Median hourly wage | $23.03 | $23.49 | -2% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $54,063.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistant in South Dakota is $47,900, or about $23.03 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Dental Assistants is $48,867. South Dakota is -2% below the national median.
Entry-level dental assistants in South Dakota typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 1,290 dental assistant jobs on record and a median salary of $47,900, South Dakota offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.