Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Yankton, SD: $21.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Yankton, SD runs $21.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,226 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Yankton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,542 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yankton, South Dakota, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $21.27 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $23.84. This difference may affect part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week in various dental settings including general dentistry operatories and pediatric exam rooms. For per-diem dental assistants, the hourly compensation might range from $17.47 at the entry level to $25.32 for those at the top of their field, offering varying income potential depending on experience and specialty. These hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, and they underscore the financial considerations dental assistants need to weigh when choosing their work environments, whether that be in oral surgery suites or dental school clinics.
About the Yankton 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) | $17.47 | $139.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.06 | $160.49 |
| Median (P50) | $21.27 | $170.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.66 | $197.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.32 | $202.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yankton
Based on $21.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.27/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yankton, SD can expect to earn approximately $44,236 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,521. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Yankton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yankton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $850.70 | $3,686 | $44,236 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $510.42 | $2,212 | $26,542 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $340.28 | $1,475 | $17,695 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Yankton) | $21.27 |
| 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 Yankton, SD earn a median of $44,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $46,021.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.27/hr = $26,542/year (purchasing power: $28,601).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,236/year (purchasing power: $47,668).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Yankton grew 19.9% from $17.19/hr (2019) to $20.62/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.94/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 Yankton 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 Yankton
Focusing on the earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Yankton, working 24 hours per week yields a substantial annual income that reflects the hourly rate, although less than that of full-time positions. Per diem dental assistant pay in Yankton commonly falls between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles, particularly in oral surgery or orthodontics, often commanding rates from $28 to $45. The varying hourly rates across different employer types, such as group practices or dental service organizations like Heartland, can significantly impact take-home earnings, especially when considering the additional benefits offered. Some assistants might choose positions with lower hourly rates to secure health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating their salaries, understanding the local market and being aware of certification paths like DANB can provide leverage in discussions about fair pay reflective of their skills and experience.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Yankton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Yankton?
Are dental assistants in Yankton 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 Yankton. 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 Yankton 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