Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $21.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Aberdeen, SD runs $21.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,233 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the **dental assistant hourly pay** is projected to be $21.02 in 2026, which falls short of the national average of $23.84 per hour. This rate offers various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem dental assistants working in settings like general dentistry practices, pediatric offices, orthodontic clinics, and even dental school student clinics. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week typically yields varying income due to the hourly pay range, which extends from $16.98 for entry-level positions up to $26.07 for top earners, tailored according to experience and specialized skills. This comprehensive structure allows dental assistants in Aberdeen to adapt their career paths, whether they’re engaged in full-time work or per-diem opportunities.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.98 | $135.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.71 | $157.68 |
| Median (P50) | $21.02 | $168.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.42 | $203.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.07 | $208.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $21.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.02/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $43,721 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,224. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $840.80 | $3,643 | $43,721 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $504.48 | $2,186 | $26,233 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $336.32 | $1,457 | $17,489 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Aberdeen) | $21.02 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $43,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $46,025.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.02/hr = $26,233/year (purchasing power: $28,268).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,721/year (purchasing power: $47,114).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Aberdeen grew 19.9% from $16.99/hr (2019) to $20.38/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Aberdeen
Further analysis reveals that a part-time dental assistant in Aberdeen can expect a substantial annual income despite reduced weekly hours. A typical schedule of 24 hours over three days translates into significant monthly earnings, though it may never match the stability of full-time roles. In the realm of **per diem dental assistant pay in Aberdeen**, rates vary widely, entailing billing anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics even commanding $28 to $45 per hour. The choice of employer greatly influences hourly wages; general practices may offer lower compensation compared to specialized clinics or larger chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental, which often standardize pay scales. Additionally, some dental assistants may trade off higher hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, negotiating their packages according to personal needs and job security. For those looking to enhance their earning potential, showcasing specialized credentials or exploring temporary roles via agencies like Cloud Dentistry could yield better opportunities.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Aberdeen in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Aberdeen?
Are dental assistants in Aberdeen paid hourly or salary?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Aberdeen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov