Medical Assistant Pay

Mitchell vs Sioux Falls: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Mitchell, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mitchell, SD
$42,367
$20.36/hr
Sioux Falls, SD
$45,935
$22.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMitchell, SDSioux Falls, SD
Median Salary$42,367$45,935
Hourly Rate$20.36$22.09
Entry Level (P10)$34,837$38,524
25th Percentile$35,940$40,287
75th Percentile$44,114$49,021
Top Earner (P90)$51,241$52,002
Total Employed6620
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mitchell ($42,367) and Sioux Falls ($45,935) medical assistant salaries.MitchellSioux FallsMedian Salary$42,367$45,935Entry Level (P10)$34,837$38,524Top Earner (P90)$51,241$52,002US Median $47,961

Verdict

Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mitchell.

The salary gap between Mitchell and Sioux Falls is $3,568 (8.42%). Sioux Falls's median is -4.22% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mitchell spans $16,404,Sioux Falls spans $13,478. Mitchell has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mitchell
P10 (Entry)$34,837
P25$35,940
Median$42,367
P75$44,114
P90 (Top)$51,241
Sioux Falls
P10 (Entry)$38,524
P25$40,287
Median$45,935
P75$49,021
P90 (Top)$52,002

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($50,684 effective) pays 11.02% more than Mitchell ($45,654 effective).

Mitchell
Nominal: $42,367
CoL Index: 92.8
Adjusted: $45,654
Sioux Falls
Nominal: $45,935
CoL Index: 90.631
Adjusted: $50,684

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mitchell if…

  • You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle

Choose Sioux Falls if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,935/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($52,002)
  • Larger job market (620 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,684)
  • You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Mitchell grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.3% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.

Mitchell, SD

+20.2%

$33,568 (2024) → $40,361 (2025)

Sioux Falls, SD

+48.3%

$29,510 (2019) → $43,760 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Mitchell or Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls has a higher median medical assistant salary at $45,935/year, compared to Mitchell at $42,367/year — a difference of $3,568 (8.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mitchell and Sioux Falls?

Mitchell medical assistants earn $20.36/hr while Sioux Falls hygienists earn $22.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mitchell to Sioux Falls as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mitchell and Sioux Falls. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mitchell = $45,654, Sioux Falls = $50,684), job availability (6 vs 620 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Mitchell vs Sioux Falls?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $34,837 in Mitchell and $38,524 in Sioux Falls. The Sioux Falls area offers higher starting salaries.
EC

Written by Emma Chen, CMA

Career Analyst

Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov