Physicist Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota
The median physicist salary in Mitchell, SD is $124,993 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Physicist Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)
Mitchell offers a median physicist salary of $124,993, which is $9,145 below the South Dakota state average of $134,138. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $124,993 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Mitchell spans from $63,960 at the 10th percentile to $195,160 at the 90th percentile — a $131,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,240, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,400. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Mitchell by Experience
In Mitchell, an entry-level physicist earns around $67,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD
| Percentile | Mitchell |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,560 |
| Median (50th) | $124,993 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $195,160 |
Physicist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Mitchell
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Mitchell and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Mitchell may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Mitchell
Browse open physicist positions in Mitchell, SD: