Creative & Education Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Social Worker Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median social worker salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $50,922 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$50,922
vs State Avg
+$2,214
vs National
$-4,428
Cost of Living
92%

Social Worker Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux Falls offers a median social worker salary of $50,922, which is $2,214 above the South Dakota state average of $48,708. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 social workers in Sioux Falls spans from $33,488 at the 10th percentile to $80,776 at the 90th percentile — a $47,288 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,960, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level social worker earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,960
$-3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $33,488
25th Percentile $40,664
Median (50th) $50,922
75th Percentile $64,768
90th Percentile $80,776

Social Worker Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Rapid City, SD
$49,815
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$47,601
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$46,494
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$45,387
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Social Worker in Sioux Falls

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open social worker positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Social Worker make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median social worker salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $50,922 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $33,488 (10th percentile) to $80,776 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,922, a social worker in Sioux Falls earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for social worker pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median social worker salary of $50,922 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $48,708. 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 social worker salary of $50,922 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most social worker positions in Sioux Falls require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.