Dental Hygienist in Sioux Falls, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Sioux Falls Stands

If you're weighing a move to Sioux Falls as a Dental Hygienist, the first thing to crunch is the numbers. Let's be direct: the pay here is solid for the Midwest, but it's not a coastal salary. The median salary for Dental Hygienists in the Sioux Falls metro is $84,982 per year, with an hourly rate of $84,982. This is slightly below the national average of $87,530, but the cost of living gap makes it a financially savvy move for many professionals.

The job market is stable, with 412 jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 9%. While not explosive, this growth is consistent, driven by an aging population and a strong focus on preventative healthcare in the region.

Here’s how experience breaks down in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Sioux Falls)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level	$68,000 - $75,000	New graduates, 0-2 years. Often start in larger group practices or community health centers.
Mid-Career	$78,000 - $88,000	3-8 years of experience. Move into more complex patient cases, potential for lead hygienist roles.
Senior/Expert	$90,000 - $100,000+	8+ years, specialty certifications (e.g., periodontal therapy), or roles in education/consulting.

For context, Sioux Falls is the premier healthcare hub in South Dakota. If you look at other SD cities, the data is telling:

• Rapid City: Salaries are comparable (~$82,000 median), but the job market is smaller (fewer than 200 positions).
• Aberdeen or Brookings: Salaries dip into the low $70,000s, with far fewer openings.
  Insider Tip: The premium in Sioux Falls isn't just the salary; it's the volume. With the Sioux Falls healthcare sector being the state's largest employer, you have leverage to negotiate benefits, flexible schedules, and continuing education stipends—often more so than in saturated coastal markets.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's ground this in reality. With a median salary of $84,982, your monthly take-home pay (after federal, state, and FICA taxes) will be approximately $5,100 - $5,300. The real power of this salary in Sioux Falls is revealed when you factor in housing.

The average 1BR rent is $884/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 90.3 (US average = 100). This means your dollar stretches about 10% further than the national average.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Sioux Falls Dental Hygienist:

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$7,082
• Net Monthly Pay (Est.): ~$5,200
• Rent (1BR in a good area): -$884
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$180
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Sioux Falls): -$450
• Health Insurance Premium (Employer-Sponsored): -$200
• Retirement Savings (401k, 10%): -$708
• Discretionary/Entertainment: -$1,378

Can You Afford to Buy a Home? Absolutely. This is a key differentiator. The median home price in the Sioux Falls metro is around $285,000. With your take-home pay and a 20% down payment ($57,000), your mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,200-$1,400—still a manageable percentage of your income. In many coastal cities, this same salary would only cover a rent payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Sioux Falls's Major Employers

Sioux Falls is a healthcare fortress. The job market is dominated by a few large systems, but there's also a thriving network of private practices. Hiring trends show a steady demand for hygienists, with less turnover than in larger cities.

1. Sanford Health: The behemoth of the region. With multiple clinics and a massive dental network (including the Sanford Implant Center), they are the largest single employer. They hire frequently and offer robust benefits, including tuition reimbursement.
2. Avera Health: The other major system, with a strong presence in downtown Sioux Falls and surrounding suburbs like Harrisburg. Avera's dental clinics are known for a focus on family and preventative care. Hiring is steady, and they often have openings for hygienists interested in pediatric specialties.
3. Sioux Falls Oral Surgery & Implant Center: A major player for specialists. They hire hygienists for periodontal maintenance and surgical assisting. This is a great path for those looking to move beyond general dentistry.
4. Heartland Dental / Corporate Dental Groups: Several large corporate dental groups have a significant foothold here (e.g., Kool Smiles, Aspen Dental). They offer structured career paths and are often the fastest route to employment for new grads, though the pace can be intense.
5. Independent & Private Practices: Don't overlook the smaller shops. Practices in the Downtown and Downtown East neighborhoods often seek hygienists who value a closer relationship with the dentist and patient base. Look at clinics like Sioux Falls Dental Partners or Family Dental Care.
6. Community Health Centers: Community Health Center of the Sioux Falls region offers positions for hygienists passionate about serving underserved populations. These roles often come with loan repayment programs.
7. The VA Hospital (Sioux Falls): A federal employer with competitive pay and benefits. Hiring is less frequent but highly sought after for its stability.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't advertised on big job boards. Join the South Dakota Dental Hygienists' Association (SDDHA). Their member directory and newsletter are goldmines for openings, and local dentists often post directly there.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota's licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The process is managed by the South Dakota Board of Dentistry.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
2. National Board Exam (NBDHE): Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
3. Clinical Exam: Pass a state or regional clinical exam (like the WREB or CDCA).
4. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit an application to the SD Board of Dentistry with required fees.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee: ~$150 (non-refundable).
• Licensing Fee: ~$100 (initial).
• Total Estimated Fees: $250 - $350 (excluding exam fees, which are national).
• Timeline: Once you have your diploma and exam scores, the application processing takes 4-6 weeks. It's efficient. Pro Tip: Start the application process 2-3 months before you plan to move. You can work under a temporary permit if you have a job offer pending full licensure.

Reciprocity: South Dakota has reciprocity with most states. If you're already licensed in another state, you can often get licensed here by proving you passed the NBDHE and a clinical exam. Contact the SD Board directly for the specifics of your situation.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Living in Sioux Falls is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four top neighborhoods suited for healthcare professionals:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Downtown / Downtown East	Urban, walkable, historic. Close to Avera and Sanford clinics.	$950 - $1,200	For the professional who wants to bike or walk to work. Great restaurants and arts scene. Easy commute to major employers.
Sunnyside / The Wedge	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Central location.	$800 - $950	A classic Sioux Falls neighborhood with mature trees and larger homes. Close to shopping and parks. A short drive (10-15 min) to most clinics.
Dakota Dunes / Southern Hills	Upscale, newer developments. Close to the hospitals.	$1,000 - $1,300	If you want modern amenities and a quick commute to Sanford or Avera. Very safe and clean, with easy highway access.
Harrisburg (Just North)	Suburban, growing, family-oriented.	$900 - $1,100	A great option if you work at an Avera or clinic in the north part of town. Excellent schools, slightly more space. Commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Sioux Falls is minimal. A "bad commute" is 20 minutes. Don't overpay for proximity. Focus on finding a neighborhood you'll enjoy living in, as you can get to any job in the city easily.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 9% job growth over 10 years suggests stability, not a boom. Your career advancement will come from specialization, education, or shifting into non-clinical roles.

• Specialty Premiums: In Sioux Falls, hygienists with periodontal certification or experience in implant maintenance can command salaries at the top of the range ($90k+). Pediatric specialists are also in steady demand.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Lead: Supervise other hygienists in a practice. Requires leadership skills.
  2. Public Health: Work for the state or county on oral health initiatives. Often requires a bachelor's degree.
  3. Education: Become a clinical instructor at Southeast Technical College's Dental Hygiene Program. This path provides a stable schedule and summers off but typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree.
  4. Sales/Dental Industry: With your clinical expertise, you can move into dental equipment or supplies sales, covering the Dakotas and Minnesota. This is a high-upside path.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. The key will be adapting to new technologies (like intraoral scanners) and potentially pursuing a bachelor's degree to open doors to public health and education roles. Sioux Falls is a fantastic place to build a long-term, stable career.

The Verdict: Is Sioux Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living vs. Salary: Your paycheck goes far. Homeownership is very achievable.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: No major pro sports, limited high-end dining/arts compared to coastal hubs.
Stable, Growing Job Market: 412 jobs and 9% growth. You will find work.	Seasonal Winters: Can be harsh and long (Oct-April). Requires a reliable vehicle.
Short Commutes & Minimal Traffic: You'll spend less time in your car.	Cultural Homogeneity: Less diversity than larger metro areas.
Strong Healthcare Community: Good professional network, easy to build relationships.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower; you won't make coastal money here.
Outdoor Access: Great parks, bike trails, and proximity to lakes for weekends.	Growth is Conservative: Career moves are more gradual; fewer "leap" opportunities.

Final Recommendation: Sioux Falls is an ideal choice for a Dental Hygienist who values financial stability, work-life balance, and community. If you're looking to pay off student loans, buy a home, and build a life without the stress of a high-cost, high-traffic city, this is a top-tier option. It may not be the right fit for someone seeking the hustle and anonymity of a major coastal metro.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own patient chair/equipment?
No. In 99% of Sioux Falls practices (corporate or private), the office provides all clinical equipment. This is a standard part of the employment package.

2. What's the typical schedule for a dental hygienist here?
Most positions are full-time (4 days/week, 10-hour shifts are common) or part-time. Corporate practices often offer more traditional 8-5 schedules, while private practices may offer more flexibility. Weekends are rare.

3. Is it easy to find a job as a new graduate?
Yes, but be strategic. The larger corporate groups (Heartland, Aspen) are often the most willing to train new grads. However, don't dismiss smaller practices—some are eager for fresh talent. Start applying 3-4 months before graduation.

4. What's the licensure renewal process?
South Dakota licenses expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027). You must complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal cycle, including 2 hours of MN/SD/ND Dental Law. The renewal fee is approximately $100.

5. How does the winter affect my commute?
Invest in a reliable vehicle with all-wheel drive and good tires. Sioux Falls is excellent at clearing major roads, but side streets can be icy. Most employers are understanding if you need to delay arrival on the heaviest snow days. Your commute will be measured in minutes, not hours, even in bad weather.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, South Dakota Board of Dentistry, Local Sioux Falls Real Estate Market Data (2023-2024).