Sioux Falls vs Spearfish: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,758 | $60,631▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.29 | $29.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,526 | $43,676▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,513 | $54,616▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,351 | $71,602▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,286 | $83,567▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Spearfish, SD offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Spearfish is $3,873 (6.82%). Spearfish's median is -11.02% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $33,760,Spearfish spans $39,891. Spearfish has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spearfish ($65,335 effective) pays 4.33% more than Sioux Falls ($62,625 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 (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,631/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,567)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,335)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Sioux Falls grew 26.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$42,490 (2019) → $53,850 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$48,049 (2024) → $57,525 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Sioux Falls or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Spearfish as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Sioux Falls vs Spearfish?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov