Brookings vs Sioux Falls: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $44,113 | $66,573▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.21 | $32.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,005 | $47,181▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,628 | $57,252▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,464 | $82,420▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,362 | $97,298▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Sioux Falls is $22,460 (50.91%). Sioux Falls's median is -17.19% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $41,357,Sioux Falls spans $50,117. Sioux Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($73,455 effective) pays 54.53% more than Brookings ($47,536 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,573/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,298)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,455)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Brookings grew -42.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -20.6% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$72,875 (2024) → $42,221 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$80,290 (2021) → $63,718 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts 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 data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov