Sioux Falls vs Spearfish: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,935▲ | $42,676 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.09▲ | $20.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,524▲ | $34,301 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,287▲ | $38,267 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,021▲ | $43,894 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,002▲ | $50,741 |
| Total Employed | 620▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Spearfish is $3,259 (7.64%). 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 Sioux Falls spans $13,478,Spearfish spans $16,440. Spearfish has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($50,684 effective) pays 10.21% more than Spearfish ($45,987 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Sioux Falls grew 48.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$29,510 (2019) → $43,760 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$33,812 (2024) → $40,655 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Sioux Falls or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Spearfish as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Sioux Falls vs Spearfish?
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