Graphic Designer Pay

Sioux Falls vs Spearfish: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Sioux Falls, SD
$51,711
$24.86/hr
Spearfish, SD
$57,904
$27.83/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSioux Falls, SDSpearfish, SD
Median Salary$51,711$57,904
Hourly Rate$24.86$27.83
Entry Level (P10)$38,140$36,605
25th Percentile$44,486$48,156
75th Percentile$62,057$72,096
Top Earner (P90)$67,959$88,890
Total Employed2005
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Sioux Falls ($51,711) and Spearfish ($57,904) graphic designer salaries.Sioux FallsSpearfishMedian Salary$51,711$57,904Entry Level (P10)$38,140$36,605Top Earner (P90)$67,959$88,890US Median $65,075

Verdict

Spearfish, SD offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.

The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Spearfish is $6,193 (11.98%). Spearfish's median is -11.02% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $29,819,Spearfish spans $52,285. Spearfish has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Sioux Falls
P10 (Entry)$38,140
P25$44,486
Median$51,711
P75$62,057
P90 (Top)$67,959
Spearfish
P10 (Entry)$36,605
P25$48,156
Median$57,904
P75$72,096
P90 (Top)$88,890

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spearfish ($62,397 effective) pays 9.36% more than Sioux Falls ($57,057 effective).

Sioux Falls
Nominal: $51,711
CoL Index: 90.631
Adjusted: $57,057
Spearfish
Nominal: $57,904
CoL Index: 92.8
Adjusted: $62,397

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 (200 employed)
  • You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle

Choose Spearfish if…

  • Higher median salary ($57,904/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($88,890)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,397)
  • You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Sioux Falls grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Spearfish over the same period.

Sioux Falls, SD

+28.6%

$38,910 (2019) → $50,030 (2025)

Spearfish, SD

+31.2%

$42,710 (2024) → $56,022 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Sioux Falls or Spearfish?

Spearfish has a higher median graphic designer salary at $57,904/year, compared to Sioux Falls at $51,711/year — a difference of $6,193 (11.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Spearfish?

Sioux Falls graphic designers earn $24.86/hr while Spearfish hygienists earn $27.83/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Spearfish as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Sioux Falls and Spearfish. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Sioux Falls = $57,057, Spearfish = $62,397), job availability (200 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Sioux Falls vs Spearfish?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $38,140 in Sioux Falls and $36,605 in Spearfish. The Sioux Falls area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MFA

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov