Brookings vs Sioux Falls: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $87,257▲ | $71,670 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.95▲ | $34.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,162▲ | $52,297 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,898▲ | $62,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,022▲ | $87,300 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,812▲ | $107,234 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Brookings, SD offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Brookings and Sioux Falls is $15,587 (21.75%). Brookings's median is -14.26% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $50,650,Sioux Falls spans $54,937. Sioux Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Brookings ($94,027 effective) pays 18.90% 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 Brookings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,257/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,812)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,027)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Brookings grew 25.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$66,873 (2024) → $83,909 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$57,290 (2019) → $68,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists 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 speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Brookings vs Sioux Falls?
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