Rapid City vs Sioux Falls: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Rapid City, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,352 | $50,425▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.72 | $24.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,162 | $39,678▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,723 | $49,734▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,305 | $61,430▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,884 | $62,678▲ |
| Total Employed | 320 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Sioux Falls is $1,073 (2.17%). Sioux Falls's median is +1.71% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $21,722,Sioux Falls spans $23,000. Sioux Falls 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, Sioux Falls ($55,638 effective) pays 0.52% more than Rapid City ($55,352 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,425/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,678)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,638)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Rapid City grew 35.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.5% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$35,240 (2019) → $47,850 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$47,240 (2019) → $48,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Rapid City or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Sioux Falls as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Rapid City vs Sioux Falls?
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