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

Physicist Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median physicist salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$140,236
vs State Avg
+$6,098
vs National
$-12,194
Cost of Living
92%

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

Sioux Falls offers a median physicist salary of $140,236, which is $6,098 above the South Dakota state average of $134,138. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Sioux Falls spans from $71,760 at the 10th percentile to $218,960 at the 90th percentile — a $147,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,440, while senior physicists 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.

Physicist Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level physicist earns around $75,440, 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)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,600
$-12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $140,236
75th Percentile $179,400
90th Percentile $218,960

Physicist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Sioux Falls

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist 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 Physicist Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open physicist positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Physicist make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median physicist salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $218,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,236, a physicist in Sioux Falls earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for physicist pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median physicist salary of $140,236 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $134,138. 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 physicist salary of $140,236 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most physicist positions in Sioux Falls require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.