Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $110,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Sioux Falls, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $110,201 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 90.6 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $121,593 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,298) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field in Sioux Falls, the starting physician assistant salary is projected at $110,201 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, reflecting a realistic entry point for those just starting their careers. When comparing this amount to the city's median salary of $140,298, new PAs can expect a significant gap as they build experience and skills. Over the first few years, salaries are likely to see a gradual rise; early-career PAs can anticipate moving toward the P25 salary of $113,807 as they gain more confidence and experience in their roles. Given the city’s strong healthcare sector and the 3.32% projected annual growth, Sioux Falls currently presents a favorable environment for new PA graduates.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux Falls
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sioux Falls
Entry-level physician assistants in Sioux Falls, SD typically start between $110,201 and $113,807 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,582 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,298 — 0.07% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in South Dakota of $65,000 represents just 58.98% of the starting physician assistant pay ($110,201/year) in Sioux Falls. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ARC-PA accredited master's-level PA programs. Most PA programs run 27-30 months and include didactic and clinical rotation phases. Public in-state programs are the most affordable option; private programs in high-cost metros can approach $150k. Totals reflect tuition and program fees only; PANCE certification exam fees are separate.
PA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Sioux Falls
- 1Research the Sioux Falls market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $110,201 to $113,807, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physician assistant field — employers in SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sioux Falls, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Sioux Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux Falls's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physician Assistant Compensation Range
The physician assistant wage spread in Sioux Falls is $53,582 ( 48.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $110,201, experienced hygienists can earn up to $163,783.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$80,990
2025 BLS Actual
$106,660
2026 Current Est.
$110,201
2019–2027 Growth
+40.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,860 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux Falls, SD grew 31.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $80,990 in 2019 to $106,660 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $113,860. New graduates entering the Sioux Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physician assistant Career in Sioux Falls
Employers in Sioux Falls that commonly hire new grad physician assistants include primary care practices and urgent care centers, both of which offer structured onboarding programs that facilitate the transition into practice. Additionally, surgical subspecialty programs may recruit through PA residency or fellowship pipelines, allowing new PAs to gain specialized skills that often lead to higher salaries. To boost starting pay in South Dakota, candidates should ensure they possess a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, achieve NCCPA national certification, obtain a state PA license, and secure DEA registration. While first-year salaries can vary, those entering surgical settings, particularly in orthopedics or cardiovascular surgery, typically see superior compensation. Aspiring PAs should remain focused on acquiring additional credentials and staying updated with industry trends, as stronger qualifications and relevant experience can significantly enhance earning potential in the first three years.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physician assistant graduates. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Sioux Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov