Mitchell vs Sioux Falls: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician 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 | $41,570▲ | $38,942 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.99▲ | $18.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,231 | $37,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,762 | $37,672▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,308 | $46,106▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,472▲ | $51,280 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Mitchell, SD offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Mitchell and Sioux Falls is $2,628 (6.75%). Mitchell's median is -11.66% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mitchell spans $21,241,Sioux Falls spans $13,883. 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, Mitchell ($44,795 effective) pays 4.25% more than Sioux Falls ($42,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mitchell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,570/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,472)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,795)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Mitchell grew 30.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Mitchell, SD
$30,035 (2024) → $39,284 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$29,280 (2021) → $36,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mitchell, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Mitchell or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mitchell and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Mitchell to Sioux Falls as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Mitchell vs Sioux Falls?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov