How Much Does a Dental Assistant Make in South Carolina in 2026?

A typical Dental Assistant in South Carolina earns about $22.75 per hour ($47,320 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). When broken down into regular pay periods calculated from the annual figure, this comes out to approximately $3,943 per month or $910 per week. These earnings reflect standard full-time schedules across dental practices throughout the state.

That annual figure sits 2 percent below the national benchmark of $48,070, which equates to $23.11 per hour nationwide. South Carolina ranks 31st among all 50 states for Dental Assistant earnings. The state supports a total workforce of 5,530 Dental Assistants who provide patient care and chairside support in dental practices.

Entry-level positions in South Carolina typically offer around $17.82 per hour, which translates to $37,070 annually for newer staff. Assistants with a couple of years on the job commonly see earnings increase to about $20.68 hourly or $43,000 yearly. Most workers move toward the state typical rate as they master daily clinic procedures and routine patient workflows.

Experienced practitioners often earn upwards of $24.41 per hour or $50,780 annually, while the top 10% of earners make over $28.12 per hour ($58,480 per year). This creates an entry-to-top spread of $21,410 across the state. Differences in practice setting, clinical experience, and local metropolitan area account for how professionals progress along this wage scale.

South Carolina recorded consistent wage gains over the past decade. Typical pay stood at $34,480 in 2015 before rising steadily to $47,320 by 2025. This progression reflects an overall dollar gain of $12,840 across the ten-year period, representing a 37 percent rise in pay for Dental Assistants throughout the state.

By comparison, the national decade rise for this occupation was 34 percent, meaning state compensation expanded slightly faster than the countrywide rate. For someone starting in the field today, wages have moved up steadily over time. Compensation continues to track broader adjustments in dental operations and general practice economics.

Geographic location plays a clear role in regional earnings, with figures covering each city's full metropolitan area. The highest compensation sits in Concord, where Dental Assistants earn a typical wage of $50,060 per year ($24.07 per hour). That figure sits 6 percent above the statewide typical pay, while nearby Charleston and North Charleston both report strong typical wages of $49,040.

At the other end of the state spectrum, Florence reports the lowest typical figure at $42,220 per year, or $20.30 per hour. That creates a city spread of $7,840 across South Carolina metropolitan regions. The Concord area also employs the largest local workforce with 3,540 positions, where higher compensation often aligns with local living expenses.

South Carolina presents a competitive compensation profile when evaluated against adjacent states. North Carolina pays higher wages, offering an annual figure of $50,380, which sits 6 percent above South Carolina. To the south, Georgia reports slightly lower pay at $46,840 annually, or 1 percent below the South Carolina rate. Dental Assistants considering work across state boundaries should note that licensure in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby one.

Typical South Carolina pay currently stands at $47,320 per year, supported by a ten-year wage increase of 37 percent across the state. Those preparing for a career can review the state licensing or registry page for professional requirements and explore city pages for specific local figures. These resources offer clear guidance on regional workplace opportunities.