Economist Salary in Mitchell, SD: $93,431 (2026)

Economist Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median economist salary of $93,431, which is $6,836 below the South Dakota state average of $100,267. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $93,431 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Mitchell spans from $50,840 at the 10th percentile to $162,360 at the 90th percentile — a $111,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,300, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,700. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level economist earns around $53,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,300

$-11,700 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$94,300

$-20,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$151,700

$-33,300 vs national

Percentile	Mitchell	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$50,840	$54,560	$62,000
25th Percentile	$67,240	$72,160	$82,000
Median (50th)	$93,431	$100,267	$113,940
75th Percentile	$127,100	$136,400	$155,000
90th Percentile	$162,360	$174,240	$198,000

Percentile

Mitchell

10th Percentile

$50,840

25th Percentile

$67,240

Median (50th)

$93,431

75th Percentile

$127,100

90th Percentile

$162,360

How to Become a Economist in Mitchell

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Mitchell and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Mitchell may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Economist make in Mitchell, SD? ▼

The median economist salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $93,431 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $50,840 (10th percentile) to $162,360 (90th percentile).

How much does a Economist make per hour in Mitchell? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $93,431, a economist in Mitchell earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for economist pay? ▼

Mitchell's median economist salary of $93,431 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $100,267. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼

Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $93,431 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Mitchell? ▼

Most economist positions in Mitchell require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Economist Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota