Medical Assistant.
Sioux Falls.
$33,000
median salary, 13% below the national average
$27,000 to $39,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Sioux Falls is 15% cheaper than the national average. For Medical Assistants, that shakes out to a median of $33,000, with the full range spanning $27,000 to $39,000. Certification status is the largest pay differentiator, with CMA and RMA credentials adding 10 to 15% over uncertified MAs. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $30,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$21,000
to $26,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$28,000
to $35,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$36,000
to $43,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$41,000
to $51,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $7,000 to the total package.
Base
$33,000
Equity
$4,000
Bonus
$2,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $40,000
How Sioux Falls compares
Sioux Falls, SD
$33,000
Cost of living: 15% below average
National Average
$38,000
Sioux Falls is $5,000 below
Medical Assistant salary by city
Salary by role in Sioux Falls
What you should know
Here is what the Medical Assistant market actually looks like in Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls is South Dakota's largest city and a growing financial services hub, home to major credit card operations for Citibank and Wells Fargo. The city's no state income tax and very low cost of living create exceptional take home pay ratios. Healthcare and agriculture round out the economy. Certification status is the largest pay differentiator, with CMA and RMA credentials adding 10 to 15% over uncertified MAs. Specialty practices like dermatology, orthopedics, and cardiology pay more than general primary care. Urban areas and hospital-owned practices consistently offer higher wages than rural independent clinics.
Entry-level MAs start at $30,000 to $34,000 without certification. Certified MAs with three to five years of experience earn $38,000 to $44,000. Lead MAs or clinical supervisors overseeing support staff can reach $46,000 to $55,000 in larger practices or health systems. In Sioux Falls, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 15% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. Medical assistants typically receive health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan access. Some employers offer tuition assistance for nursing or allied health programs, which adds long-term value beyond the base salary. And on the tax side: south Dakota has no state income tax. Sioux Falls has no city income tax. This zero income tax environment is a major draw for high earners seeking maximum take home pay. When someone quotes you $33,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Use the zero income tax advantage in negotiations. Sioux Falls employers know this is a major recruiting tool and will frame compensation accordingly. The range for Medical Assistants in Sioux Falls runs from $27,000 to $39,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Early Childhood Educator in Sioux Falls earns $32,000 (3% less)
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Common questions.
Medical Assistant salary in other cities
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