Healthcare trades
medical assistant salary in South Dakota
The median medical assistant in South Dakota earns $41,870 a year based on the latest BLS wage release. That is 8% below the national median of $45,690, and the top 10% in the state earns more than $48,960.
STATE MEDIAN
$41,870
Per year, 2025
TOP 10 PERCENT
$48,960
Per year
WORKERS IN STATE
1,340
Reported employment
VS NATIONAL
-8%
Below national median
What do medical assistants earn in South Dakota?
These percentile cuts show how pay spreads from entry level earnings to top-end specialists in the state.
10TH PERCENTILE
$35,980
Lower end of the pay range
25TH PERCENTILE
$37,730
Early career benchmark
MEDIAN
$41,870
Middle of the market
75TH PERCENTILE
$45,870
Experienced worker benchmark
90TH PERCENTILE
$48,960
Top earning range
How does South Dakota compare to national earnings?
South Dakota pays 8% below the national median for medical assistants. That makes cost discipline more important, especially if you are choosing between a free apprenticeship path, a community college certificate, and a private program.
South Dakota
$41,870
State median annual wage
National median
$45,690
BLS national median wage
How do you train as a medical assistant in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, most medical assistants start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. South Dakota may involve state board rules, national exam expectations, or employer preference for accredited programs. Check the state licensing board and local employer postings before you choose a program.
Lowest debt path
Apprenticeship, community college, or employer-sponsored training usually keeps borrowing pressure lowest. That matters more than raw starting pay if you are comparing a free path against a private program.
What to verify before enrolling
Check tuition, licensing hours, exam pass rates, employer placement, and how quickly the program gets you to a paid job in South Dakota.
What is the debt-to-income reality in South Dakota?
The 8% rule says a monthly student loan payment should ideally stay below 8% of gross monthly income.
For a community college style path with an illustrative $10,000 of training debt, a simple 10-year repayment schedule lands near $83 a month. Against a median gross monthly income of $3,489 in South Dakota, that works out to about 2.4%.
This is an illustrative midpoint between a free apprenticeship path and a higher-cost private program. Your exact result depends on tuition, grants, and how long you stay in school.
What else should you read next?
Healthcare trades guide
Read the full healthcare trades guide for training paths, debt ranges, and employer context.
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Trade comparison methodology
See how CollegeLens sources BLS wages, training-cost ranges, and debt-to-income examples.
Common questions about medical assistant pay in South Dakota
What is the average medical assistant salary in South Dakota?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $41,870 for medical assistants in South Dakota, with the top 10% above $48,960.
Is medical assistant a good career in South Dakota?
South Dakota currently has 1,340 reported jobs in this trade. The path can work well when training cost stays reasonable relative to a median income of $41,870.
How do you become a medical assistant in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, most medical assistants start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. South Dakota may involve state board rules, national exam expectations, or employer preference for accredited programs. Check the state licensing board and local employer postings before you choose a program.
Where does South Dakota rank for medical assistant earnings?
South Dakota is below the national median for this trade. State median: $41,870. National median: $45,690.
What does medical assistant training cost in South Dakota?
Training cost depends on the path. Apprenticeship can be near $0 out of pocket while you earn. Community college programs often land in the low thousands. Private trade school and certificate routes can be much higher. Always compare program cost against expected earnings in South Dakota.