As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in South Dakota is $37,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $42,090 | $3,508 | $809 | $20 |
| Average | $37,990 | $3,166 | $731 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,190 | $2,849 | $658 | $16 |
Hill City Dental - Hill City, SD
Midwest Periodontics - Sioux Falls, SD
Brookings Family Dentistry - Brookings, SD
Neighborhood Dental - Sioux Falls, SD
A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $37,311 |
| Intermediate Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $38,101 |
| Senior Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $39,810 |
| Specialist Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $39,993 |
| Expert Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $40,115 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $42,090 | $3,508 | $809 | $20 |
| Average | $37,990 | $3,166 | $731 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,190 | $2,849 | $658 | $16 |
For a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $69,000 - a projected growth of 82% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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