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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Dental Surgery Assistant in South Dakota is $38,570 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Dental Surgery Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Dental Surgery Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $42,501 | $3,542 | $817 | $20 |
| Average | $38,570 | $3,214 | $742 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,425 | $2,869 | $662 | $17 |
River Ridge Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Center - Sioux Falls, SD
River Ridge Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Center - Sioux Falls, SD
Commonwealth Medical Services - Rapid City, SD
iRecruitMD - Rapid City, SD
A Dental Surgery 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 Dental Surgery 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 Dental Surgery Assistant | $38,167 |
| Intermediate Level Dental Surgery Assistant | $38,984 |
| Senior Level Dental Surgery Assistant | $40,743 |
| Specialist Level Dental Surgery Assistant | $40,931 |
| Expert Level Dental Surgery Assistant | $41,057 |
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 Dental Surgery 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 Dental Surgery 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, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Dental Surgery Assistant positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Dental Surgery Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $46,284 | $22.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Dental Surgery 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 | $42,501 | $3,542 | $817 | $20 |
| Average | $38,570 | $3,214 | $742 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,425 | $2,869 | $662 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Dental Surgery Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Summerset Dental LLC
Sturgis, SD
Summerset Dental LLC | Sturgis, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Dental Assistant. Position Summary. We are seeking a skilled, compassionate, and professional Dental Assistant to join ou... more
5 Days Ago
Department of Health and Human Services
Sisseton, SD
Department of Health and Human Services | Sisseton, SD
Job Title. Dental Assistant. Duties. Help. Restores teeth after preparation has been accomplished. Provides chairside assisting and fully anticipates denti... more
5 Days Ago
Fourwinds
Sisseton, SD
Fourwinds | Sisseton, SD
Dental Assistant Position Summary Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Healthcare Center (IHS) Number of Positions:2 Dental Assistant positions Location:Woodrow ... more
9 Days Ago
Horizon Health
Wessington Springs, SD
Horizon Health | Wessington Springs, SD
Dental Assistant. Horizon Health in Wessington Springs, SD is seeking a full-time Dental Assistant to provide chairside assistance in our busy dental pract... more
9 Days Ago
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
9 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
7 Days Ago
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