Medical Assistant Salaries in South Dakota — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median medical assistant salary in South Dakota is $39,350 per year, equivalent to $18.92/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. South Dakota employs approximately 1,170 medical assistants statewide.
Medical Assistant salaries in South Dakota are below the national average by approximately $3,683. South Dakota has no state income tax.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean medical assistants in South Dakota enjoy reliable job security.
South Dakota Medical Assistant Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Dakota has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — South Dakota Medical Assistant Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Dakota median of $39,350.
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience — South Dakota
Medical Assistant Salary Trend in South Dakota — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataMedical Assistant salaries in South Dakota have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Dakota's healthcare and physician offices.
Medical Assistant Salary by City — South Dakota
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $43,700 | $21.01 | +11.1% | 409 |
| Rapid City | $41,700 | $20.05 | +6.0% | 327 |
| Aberdeen | $40,550 | $19.50 | +3.0% | 210 |
| Brookings | $37,800 | $18.17 | -3.9% | 105 |
| Watertown | $35,800 | $17.21 | -9.0% | 70 |
| Mitchell | $34,250 | $16.47 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Sioux Falls offers the highest medical assistant salaries in South Dakota at $43,700/yr — +11.1% above the state average.
South Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Dakota compares favourably for medical assistants.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook in South Dakota
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for medical assistants in South Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Dakota job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean medical assistants in South Dakota enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant in South Dakota
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a medical assistant in South Dakota typically adds $32,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Medical Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Sioux Falls pays medical assistants $43,700/yr — +11.1% above the South Dakota average. Simply relocating within South Dakota can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Medical Assistants who specialise in healthcare and physician offices typically command premium rates in South Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Dakota pays medical assistants $41,040/yr — 4.3% vs South Dakota.
Find Medical Assistant Jobs in South Dakota
Live ListingsSearch current medical assistant job vacancies in South Dakota:
🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in South Dakota — Indeed→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in South Dakota — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs — Sioux Falls, SD→