Creative & Education Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Chef Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median chef salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$51,998
vs State Avg
+$2,260
vs National
$-4,522
Cost of Living
92%

Chef Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux Falls offers a median chef salary of $51,998, which is $2,260 above the South Dakota state average of $49,738. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Sioux Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chefs in Sioux Falls spans from $30,544 at the 10th percentile to $89,976 at the 90th percentile — a $59,432 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chef Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level chef earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $38,824
Median (50th) $51,998
75th Percentile $69,000
90th Percentile $89,976

Chef Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Chef in Sioux Falls

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Sioux Falls and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open chef positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Chef make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median chef salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $89,976 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,998, a chef in Sioux Falls earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for chef pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median chef salary of $51,998 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $49,738. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $51,998 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most chef positions in Sioux Falls require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.