Mitchell vs Sioux Falls: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Mitchell, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mitchell, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,424 | $102,322▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.96 | $49.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,255 | $74,756▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,901 | $83,315▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,773 | $118,815▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,117 | $139,474▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mitchell.
The salary gap between Mitchell and Sioux Falls is $10,898 (11.92%). Sioux Falls's median is -1.13% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mitchell spans $73,862,Sioux Falls spans $64,718. Mitchell 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 ($112,900 effective) pays 14.60% more than Mitchell ($98,517 effective).
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 ($102,322/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,474)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,900)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Mitchell grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Mitchell, SD
$72,437 (2024) → $89,081 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$79,080 (2019) → $99,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mitchell, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Mitchell or Sioux Falls?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov