What the numbers say
The median Dental Hygienist in South Dakota earned $84,300 in 2024, about 10.5% below the US median of $94,162. That gap looks meaningful on paper, but South Dakota's cost of living runs roughly 10% below the national average. After adjusting for what the money actually buys, the two figures land close to even.
The spread between the lowest and highest earners is narrow compared to most health occupations. The 10th percentile came in at $67,410 and the 90th at $93,980, a difference of about $26,500. Most of the state's hygienists cluster in the upper half of that range: the 25th percentile was $82,370 and the 75th was $92,730, which means the middle half of earners occupied a band of roughly $10,000. In practice, experience and hours worked matter more here than specialty or setting.
Employment was 730 statewide in 2024, so this is a small workforce in a small state. BLS projects 7% growth between 2024 and 2034, a pace it classifies as faster than average. A field that size growing at that rate does not produce large absolute numbers of new jobs, but it does suggest openings will appear consistently as the existing workforce turns over.
The mean wage of $84,780 is only $480 above the median. That tells us the top earners are not pulling the average far from the middle, which is consistent with the tight p25-to-p90 band. Pay here appears relatively flat once someone reaches full-time status and a few years of experience.
Salary distribution
Where South Dakota dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $82,370 and $92,730, with a median of $84,300.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in South Dakota
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in South Dakota over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record and review patient medical histories.
- 02
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- 03
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- 04
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- 05
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- 06
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- 07
Expose and develop x-ray film.
- 08
Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in South Dakota?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in South Dakota is $84,300.
- How does South Dakota compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The South Dakota median is -10.5% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in South Dakota?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $67,410 and the 90th-percentile at $93,980, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Dental Hygienists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Dental Hygienists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.