Legal Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Lawyer Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median lawyer salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $124,881 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$124,881
vs State Avg
+$5,430
vs National
$-10,859
Cost of Living
92%

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

Sioux Falls offers a median lawyer salary of $124,881, which is $5,430 above the South Dakota state average of $119,451. Compared to the national median of $135,740, 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 lawyers in Sioux Falls spans from $59,800 at the 10th percentile to $220,064 at the 90th percentile — a $160,264 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,400, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,400. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level lawyer earns around $64,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,960
$-11,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $59,800
25th Percentile $78,200
Median (50th) $124,881
75th Percentile $171,120
90th Percentile $220,064

Lawyer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Sioux Falls

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Sioux Falls and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open lawyer positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Lawyer make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $124,881 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $59,800 (10th percentile) to $220,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,881, a lawyer in Sioux Falls earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median lawyer salary of $124,881 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $119,451. 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 lawyer salary of $124,881 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Sioux Falls require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.