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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cosmetic Dental Assistant in South Dakota is $41,545 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Cosmetic Dental Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cosmetic Dental Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $45,595 | $3,800 | $877 | $22 |
| Average | $41,545 | $3,462 | $799 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,697 | $3,141 | $725 | $18 |
Summerset Dental LLC - Sturgis, SD
Horizon Health - Wessington Springs, SD
Department of Health and Human Services - Sisseton, SD
Fourwinds - Sisseton, SD
A Cosmetic Dental Assistant'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 Cosmetic Dental Assistant'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 Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $40,394 |
| Intermediate Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $40,813 |
| Senior Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $41,657 |
| Specialist Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $41,826 |
| Expert Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $41,938 |
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 Cosmetic Dental Assistants. 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:
For Cosmetic Dental Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Cosmetic Dental Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Cosmetic Dental Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $49,854 | $24.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Cosmetic Dental Assistant'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 | $45,595 | $3,800 | $877 | $22 |
| Average | $41,545 | $3,462 | $799 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,697 | $3,141 | $725 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cosmetic Dental Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
City of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD
City of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls, SD
Dental Assistant. The City of Sioux Falls Health Department is accepting applications for a part-time Dental Assistant for the Dental Clinic at Falls Commu... more
6 Days Ago
Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health
Rapid City, SD
Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health | Rapid City, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Dental.Assistant.docx. Job Summary. This position is responsible for assisting dental providers in providing the highest ... more
4 Days Ago
Summit Dental
Sioux Falls, SD
Summit Dental | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Opportunity At Designer Dentistry & Smiles Of Sioux Falls. Designer Dentistry & Smiles of Sioux Falls is seeking a compassionate and motivated dental h... more
2 Days Ago
Iowa Dental Associates
Canton, SD
Iowa Dental Associates | Canton, SD
Dental Hygienist. We are looking for a dental hygienist to help treat patients and promote good oral health practices. You'll help dentists decide treatmen... more
3 Days Ago
US Government Jobs
Manderson, SD
US Government Jobs | Manderson, SD
Dental Hygienist. At the Indian Health Service, Dental Hygienists do more than support oral care. Guided by our mission to improve the health of American I... more
4 Days Ago
Pillar Dental
Sioux Falls, SD
Pillar Dental | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Pillar Dental is searching for a full-time dental hygienist for our thriving practice. We are a fast-paced, fully digital... more
5 Days Ago
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