Dental Assistant salary in Sioux Falls, SD-MN
Dental Assistants in the Sioux Falls, SD-MN metro area earn a median of $48,890 a year ($23.50 an hour), based on BLS data for 450 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,770 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 2% higher than the South Dakota statewide median of $47,900. There are 2.5 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $51,590, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Sioux Falls, SD-MN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,470 | $18.50 |
| 25th percentile | $48,220 | $23.18 |
| Median | $48,890 | $23.50 |
| 75th percentile | $59,560 | $28.64 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,770 | $29.22 |
| Average (mean) | $51,590 | $24.80 |
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 | $4,074.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,037.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,880.38 |
| Weekly | $940.19 |
| Hourly | $23.50 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Dental Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $72,370 | 3,910 |
| Rochester, MN | $63,450 | 320 |
| Mankato, MN | $61,010 | 120 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $61,000 | 270 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $59,390 | 310 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $57,770 | 110 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $56,940 | 330 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $48,590 | 190 |
| Rapid City, SD | $47,850 | 320 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $47,180 | 230 |
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 |
See Dental Assistant pay in every state or the South Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Sioux Falls, SD-MN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $43,760 | $21.04 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $40,280 | $19.37 |
| Phlebotomist | $39,560 | $19.02 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $46,930 | $22.56 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $44,610 | $21.45 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| Massage Therapist | $53,920 | $25.92 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,250 | $17.43 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,190 | $18.84 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $38,060 | $18.30 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $49,080 | $23.60 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $30,590 | $14.71 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $56,180 | $27.01 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Sioux Falls, SD-MN
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 Sioux Falls, SD-MN?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Sioux Falls, SD-MN metro area is $48,890 a year, or $23.50 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,770 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Sioux Falls, SD-MN?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Sioux Falls, SD-MN metro area earn at least $60,770 a year. The top 25% earn $59,560 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Sioux Falls, SD-MN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,470 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $48,220 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Sioux Falls, SD-MN?
About 450 dental assistants are employed in the Sioux Falls, SD-MN metro area, not counting the self-employed.