Sioux Falls vs Spearfish: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,425▲ | $44,116 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.24▲ | $21.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,678▲ | $34,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,734▲ | $43,219 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,430▲ | $51,024 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,678▲ | $52,325 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Spearfish is $6,309 (14.30%). 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 Sioux Falls spans $23,000,Spearfish spans $17,645. Sioux Falls has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($55,638 effective) pays 17.04% more than Spearfish ($47,539 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Sioux Falls grew 3.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$47,240 (2019) → $48,890 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$37,372 (2024) → $42,773 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Sioux Falls or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Spearfish as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Sioux Falls vs Spearfish?
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