Sioux Falls vs Yankton: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Yankton, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Yankton, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,787 | $122,507▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.90 | $58.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,466▲ | $74,024 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,730 | $97,575▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,695 | $150,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,484 | $187,690▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Yankton, SD offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Yankton is $18,720 (18.04%). Yankton's median is -10.80% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $74,018,Yankton spans $113,666. Yankton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Yankton ($132,012 effective) pays 15.28% more than Sioux Falls ($114,516 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 (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Yankton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,507/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,690)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,012)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Sioux Falls grew 22.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Yankton over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$80,430 (2019) → $98,320 (2025)
Yankton, SD
$94,556 (2024) → $116,054 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Yankton, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Sioux Falls or Yankton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Yankton?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Yankton as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Sioux Falls vs Yankton?
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov