Dental Hygienist Salary in Pierre, SD: $89,755 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Pierre, SD earns a median $89,755/year (≈ $43.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $96,719 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, dental hygienists can expect a median annual salary of $89,755 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $102,946. This salary reflects a range from $69,333 at the 10th percentile to $110,574 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities. The relatively modest earnings highlight the financial dynamics that exist within this local job market, suggesting that while the compensation is competitive for state averages, it falls behind the national standard. This disparity may influence the attraction and retention of talent within the city's dental practices.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($85,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,333 | $33.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,143 | $39.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,755 | $43.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,954 | $47.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,574 | $53.16 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,241 (2026 est.). At $89,755, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be above the median
How Pierre Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Pierre median: $89,755/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $95,484 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -12.81% less |
Dental Hygienists in Pierre, SD earn a median of $89,755 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $95,484.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre 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.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A dental hygienist earning $89,755 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,719 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2020 BLS Actual
$70,708
2025 BLS Actual
$85,530
2026 Current Est.
$89,755
2020–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Pierre (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $70,708 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,691 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,163 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,755 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,189 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 21.0% from $70,708 (2020) to $85,530 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,189 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,481 (33.21%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-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) | $69,333 – $81,143 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,143 – $89,755 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,755 – $97,954 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,954 – $110,574 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Pierre
The dental hygienist job market in Pierre is relatively small, with only four practitioners employed locally. This limited number emphasizes the closeness of the community and the potential for collaboration among professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, residents enjoy a slightly lower living expense compared to the national average, which enhances purchasing power despite the salary lag in comparison to national figures. Employing dental hygienists include multi-doctor group practices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland Dental, which tend to offer the most competitive pay, often incorporating bonuses based on production goals. Factors contributing to the pay variance include the flexible schedules between four-day and five-day workweeks, sign-on bonuses offered by DSOs, and benefits disparities between private practices and larger chains. To maximize compensation in this specific Pierre market, dental hygienists may consider seeking employment with DSOs, which often provide more robust salary packages and comprehensive benefits compared to solo practices.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
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 $85,530 for dental hygienistsin the Pierre metropolitan area. A 4.94% 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 Pierre 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 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov