Sioux Falls vs Yankton: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Yankton, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Yankton, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,670 | $90,786▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.45 | $43.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,297 | $62,053▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,612 | $73,655▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,300 | $101,946▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,234 | $114,587▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Yankton, SD offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Yankton is $19,116 (26.67%). Yankton's median is -10.80% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $54,937,Yankton spans $52,534. Sioux Falls 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, Yankton ($97,830 effective) pays 23.71% more than Sioux Falls ($79,079 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Yankton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,786/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,587)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,830)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Sioux Falls grew 20.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$57,290 (2019) → $68,920 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$69,579 (2024) → $87,303 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Sioux Falls or Yankton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Yankton?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Yankton as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Sioux Falls vs Yankton?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov