Brookings vs Sioux Falls: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Brookings, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,119 | $45,935▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.77 | $22.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,223 | $38,524▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,927 | $40,287▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,905 | $49,021▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,880 | $52,002▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 620▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Sioux Falls is $4,816 (11.71%). 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 Brookings spans $14,657,Sioux Falls spans $13,478. Brookings has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($50,684 effective) pays 14.39% more than Brookings ($44,309 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings 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 Brookings grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.3% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$32,579 (2024) → $39,172 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$29,510 (2019) → $43,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Brookings or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Brookings to Sioux Falls as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Brookings vs Sioux Falls?
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.
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