Mitchell vs Sioux Falls: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $69,383 | $79,810▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.36 | $38.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,829 | $59,105▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,277 | $69,071▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,985 | $97,804▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,773 | $97,804▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mitchell.
The salary gap between Mitchell and Sioux Falls is $10,427 (15.03%). Sioux Falls's median is +1.61% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mitchell spans $52,944,Sioux Falls spans $38,699. 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 ($88,060 effective) pays 17.78% more than Mitchell ($74,766 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 ($79,810/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,804)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,060)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Mitchell grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Mitchell, SD
$48,586 (2024) → $67,323 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$61,960 (2019) → $77,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mitchell, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Mitchell or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mitchell and Sioux Falls?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov