Dental Assistant Salary in Huron, SD: $42,431 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Huron, SD earns a median $42,431/year (≈ $20.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Huron's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $45,723 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Huron, SD, the 2026 median annual salary for dental assistants is projected to be $42,431, reflecting the impact of the state's EFDA expanded function regulations, which enable qualified dental assistants to perform a broader scope of duties, thus elevating their pay above typical rates found elsewhere. The salary range spans from $35,470 at the 10th percentile to $51,531 at the 90th percentile, providing a valuable perspective on the earning potential within local dental practices. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors, highlighting the competitive landscape for dental assistant pay in Huron and surrounding areas.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,470 | $17.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,479 | $19.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,431 | $20.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,521 | $24.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,531 | $24.77 |
Median Salary Position
14.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huron
In Huron, SD, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,061 (2026 est.). At $42,431, the local median is 14.42% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Huron: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Huron Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Huron median: $42,431/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Huron Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $46,020 | -7.80% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -14.42% less |
Dental Assistants in Huron, SD earn a median of $42,431 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.42% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.80% below the South Dakota state average of $46,020.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Huron has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Huron, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $42,431 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,723 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,301
2025 BLS Actual
$41,139
2026 Current Est.
$42,431
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,301 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,242 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,086 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,358 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,139 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,431 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,763 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Huron metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $34,301 (2019) to $41,139 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,763 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,462 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,470 – $40,479 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,479 – $42,431 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,431 – $50,521 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,521 – $51,531 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Huron
The local job market for dental assistants in Huron is relatively modest, with only 5 professionals currently employed, indicating potential job stability amid regional economic conditions. The cost-of-living index stands at a favorable 92.8, suggesting that take-home purchasing power is relatively strong when housing and daily expenses are considered. Among local employers, body types like general dental practices typically offer salaries on the lower end, while specialty practices, especially oral surgery and orthodontics, provide some of the highest pay rates. Variations in compensation can also arise depending on expanded function roles and specialized skills like treatment coordination. For those seeking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Huron, pursuing an EFDA credential and considering employment at larger DSO chains, which often have standardized pay scales, can significantly enhance earnings and career growth opportunities.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $41,139 for dental assistantsin the Huron metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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