South Dakota sits near the middle of the regional pack, with a mean of $89,180 and a median of $92,210. Minnesota leads nearby states at $103,830, while Wyoming sits lowest at $82,320. If you are recruiting from Minnesota, budget for a meaningful gap in candidate expectations.
Dental hygienist salary in South Dakota (2026)
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The average dental hygienist salary in South Dakota is $89,180 per year. A small pool of very high earners pulls that average upward, so the median of $92,210 gives employers a more reliable starting point for most hiring decisions. South Dakota employs 630 dental hygienists, and the $3,030 gap between the mean and median reflects real variation in the candidate pool you will be evaluating. Junior dental hygienists in South Dakota typically earn around $73,480, while senior specialists typically reach or exceed the $98,290 level. Plan for a range rather than a single number when budgeting for a dental hygienist hire in South Dakota, and anchor that range to the seniority and specialization of the role you are filling.
Metric / Value
Metric | Value |
Median Annual Salary | $92,210 |
Average Annual Salary | $89,180 |
vs. National Average | 9.9% below the national mean of $98,990 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 630 employed dental hygienists across South Dakota.
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Dental hygienist salary percentiles in South Dakota
Percentile | Annual Salary |
10th Percentile | $73,480 |
25th Percentile | $83,230 |
75th Percentile | $96,230 |
90th Percentile | $98,290 |
Employers hiring entry-level dental hygienists in South Dakota should expect offers near $73,480, while candidates with more experience will expect compensation closer to $96,230 or above. The relatively narrow gap between the 75th and 90th percentiles, $96,230 and $98,290 respectively, suggests that pay compresses at the upper end of the market in this state.
Dental hygienist salary by city in South Dakota
City | Average Annual Salary |
Sioux Falls | $90,100 |
Rapid City | $87,210 |
Employers in Sioux Falls and Rapid City can expect to set offers at slightly different levels, so location should factor into your compensation planning. Sioux Falls carries a mean of $90,100 compared to $87,210 in Rapid City, a difference of $2,890 that may matter when competing for candidates who have options in both markets.
How South Dakota compares to other states
State | Average Annual Salary | Median Annual Salary |
Minnesota | $103,830 | $103,970 |
North Dakota | $89,750 | $90,530 |
South Dakota | $89,180 | $92,210 |
Nebraska | $88,990 | $92,580 |
Iowa | $86,640 | $84,010 |
Wyoming | $82,320 | $85,130 |
South Dakota sits in the middle of the regional market, making it a cost-effective location relative to Minnesota but broadly comparable to North Dakota and Nebraska. Employers in South Dakota pay a mean of $89,180, which is close to North Dakota's $89,750 and Nebraska's $88,990, so candidates moving between these states will arrive with similar salary expectations. Minnesota stands apart at $103,830, and employers recruiting candidates from that state should expect to address the compensation gap directly.
Frequently asked questions about dental hygienist salary in South Dakota
How does South Dakota compare to other states for dental hygienist salary?
What do the top-earning dental hygienists make in South Dakota?
Dental hygienists at the 90th percentile in South Dakota earn $98,290 per year. The 75th percentile sits at $96,230, so pay compresses noticeably at the upper end of the market. When competing for senior talent, expect candidates to anchor their expectations near or above the $96,230 to $98,290 range.
What is the salary range for a dental hygienist in South Dakota?
The published salary range runs from $73,480 at the 10th percentile to $98,290 at the 90th percentile. The 25th percentile sits at $83,230 and the 75th at $96,230, giving you clear anchors for entry-level versus experienced offers. Use the percentile closest to your candidate's experience level as your starting point, not the statewide average.
What is the average dental hygienist salary in South Dakota?
The average dental hygienist salary in South Dakota is $89,180 per year. The median of $92,210 is slightly higher, which tells you that a segment of lower-compensated roles pulls the average down from the midpoint. For most hiring decisions, the median is the more useful benchmark to anchor your offer.
Dental Hygienist salary by state
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, SOC code 29-1292 (Dental Hygienists).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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The Rippling Team
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