Science & Research Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Geologist Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median geologist salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $76,986 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$76,986
vs State Avg
+$3,348
vs National
$-6,694
Cost of Living
92%

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

Sioux Falls offers a median geologist salary of $76,986, which is $3,348 above the South Dakota state average of $73,638. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 geologists in Sioux Falls spans from $46,920 at the 10th percentile to $136,160 at the 90th percentile — a $89,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,680, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,800. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level geologist earns around $49,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,680
$-4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $57,960
Median (50th) $76,986
75th Percentile $103,040
90th Percentile $136,160

Geologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Geologist in Sioux Falls

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Sioux Falls and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist 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 Geologist Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open geologist positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Geologist make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median geologist salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $76,986 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $136,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,986, a geologist in Sioux Falls earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for geologist pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median geologist salary of $76,986 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $73,638. 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 geologist salary of $76,986 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most geologist positions in Sioux Falls require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.