Medical Assistant salary in South Dakota
A strong career option in South Dakota — with programs that take 9 months to 2 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$41,870/ yr
$3,489 / mo · $20.13 / hr
↓ $3,820 below the national median ($45,690)
Pay by experience
Entry
$35,984
Median
$41,870
Experienced
$48,963
Demand
High
Program length
9 months to 2 years
Projected growth
+12.5%
Annual openings
112,300
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How South Dakota compares to the national wage trend
South Dakota median
$41,870
2025 national
$45,690
2024 national
$44,200
↑ +3.4% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+12.5% projected growth through 2034
112,300 average annual openings nationwide for Medical Assistants.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Medical Assistant (entry-level)$35,984
- Medical Assistant (mid-career)$41,870
- Medical Assistant (experienced)$48,963
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$5,138
- Time to complete9 months to 2 years
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$35,984
- Median salary$41,870
- Experienced salary$48,963
At an entry wage of $35,984, most Medical Assistants break even on the $5,138 training investment in about 2 months of work.
How to become a Medical Assistant in South Dakota
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Medical Assistant program in South Dakota
Browse certified training programs. Most Medical Assistant tracks complete in 9 months to 2 years and average $5,138 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in South Dakota.
Get hired in South Dakota
With roughly 112,300 Medical Assistant openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in South Dakota.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Medical Assistant in South Dakota is $41,870 per year, which is $20.13 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $35,984 while experienced Medical Assistants can earn up to $48,963 annually.
Next step
Find Medical Assistant Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Medical Assistant classes in your area.