📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Dental Assistant Salary in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina · 12.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$40,427
per year
Median
$38,509
per year
Hourly
$19.44
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$28,150
25th Percentile — Junior$33,988
50th Percentile — Median$38,509
75th Percentile — Senior$47,123
90th Percentile — Top Earners$51,410
💡 Top-earning Dental Assistants in South Carolina make up to $51,410 per year. The job market in South Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$33.5k
2021
$34.8k
2022
$36.1k
2023
$37.5k
2024
$38.9k
2025
$40.4k
2026
📈 Dental Assistant salaries in South Carolina have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in South Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Dental Assistant Salary by City in South Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $40,427 +0% High
🔍
Dental Assistant Job Market in South Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina is home to a strong job market for Dental Assistants. The state's key industries — Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $40,427 per year, South Carolina's Dental Assistant salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Carolina (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Carolina can expect to earn $28,150–$33,988, while experienced Dental Assistants can command $47,123–$51,410.

Looking ahead, the Dental Assistant profession in South Carolina is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Automotive continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Dental Assistant salary in South Carolina is $40,427 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $45,940.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Dental Assistants the highest wages in South Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing. This makes it one of the better states for Dental Assistant employment.
  • At $40,427/year, South Carolina Dental Assistant salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $45,940/year.