Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Mitchell, SD: $21.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Mitchell, SD runs $21.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Mitchell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,284 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mitchell, South Dakota, the projected dental assistant hourly pay in 2026 is $21.06, which sits below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This figure provides insight into various work arrangements within the dental field. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this hourly rate can make a significant difference based on hours worked. The range for dental assistants in Mitchell extends from $16.95 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $25.40 for top earners, reflecting the diversity of roles available across settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty practices. While these hourly figures translate from annual estimates, they underline the earning potential within the profession for both full-time and per-diem roles.
About the Mitchell 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) | $16.95 | $135.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.61 | $156.86 |
| Median (P50) | $21.06 | $168.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.62 | $196.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.40 | $203.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mitchell
Based on $21.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.06/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mitchell, SD can expect to earn approximately $43,807 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,273. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mitchell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mitchell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $842.45 | $3,651 | $43,807 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $505.47 | $2,190 | $26,284 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $336.98 | $1,460 | $17,523 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Mitchell) | $21.06 |
| 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 Mitchell, SD earn a median of $43,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $46,006.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.06/hr = $26,284/year (purchasing power: $28,324).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,807/year (purchasing power: $47,206).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Mitchell grew 19.9% from $17.03/hr (2019) to $20.42/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.72/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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell
Focusing on the earnings for part-time dental assistants, those working 24 hours per week could expect an annual take-home amount significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Conversely, per diem dental assistant pay in Mitchell can range from $22 to $35 per hour for general duties, while those in specialized settings like oral surgery or orthodontics can command $28 to $45 per hour. Different employers, whether solo practitioners, larger group practices, or dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen, will offer varying compensation and potential benefits, which are crucial factors in the decision-making process for dental assistants. Often, professionals may accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for health insurance or other benefits, leading to considerations around negotiating hourly pay. Dental assistants in Mitchell are encouraged to understand the local market, the influence of expanded function authority, and the impact of DSOs on pay scales to effectively advocate for themselves during salary discussions.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Mitchell in 2026?
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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 Mitchell. 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 Mitchell 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