Business & Finance Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Economist Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median economist salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$104,825
vs State Avg
+$4,558
vs National
$-9,115
Cost of Living
92%

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

Sioux Falls offers a median economist salary of $104,825, which is $4,558 above the South Dakota state average of $100,267. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in Sioux Falls spans from $57,040 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $125,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,200. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level economist earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,800
$-9,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,200
$-14,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $57,040
25th Percentile $75,440
Median (50th) $104,825
75th Percentile $142,600
90th Percentile $182,160

Economist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Economist in Sioux Falls

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open economist positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Economist make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median economist salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $57,040 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,825, a economist in Sioux Falls earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for economist pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median economist salary of $104,825 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $100,267. 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 economist salary of $104,825 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most economist positions in Sioux Falls 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.