Aberdeen vs Rapid City: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Aberdeen, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aberdeen, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,724 | $49,352▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.02 | $23.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,322 | $39,162▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,991 | $47,723▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,881 | $58,305▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,228 | $60,884▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aberdeen.
The salary gap between Aberdeen and Rapid City is $5,628 (12.87%). Rapid City's median is -0.46% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aberdeen spans $18,906,Rapid City spans $21,722. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($55,352 effective) pays 17.48% more than Aberdeen ($47,116 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aberdeen if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,352/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,884)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,352)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Aberdeen grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.8% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Aberdeen, SD
$37,040 (2024) → $42,393 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$35,240 (2019) → $47,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aberdeen, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Aberdeen or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aberdeen and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Aberdeen to Rapid City as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Aberdeen vs Rapid City?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov