Sioux Falls vs Spearfish: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,065 | $56,101▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.55 | $26.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,533▲ | $39,770 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,284▲ | $47,703 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,276 | $69,226▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,866 | $84,136▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Spearfish, SD offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Spearfish is $5,036 (9.86%). Spearfish's median is -12.80% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $20,333,Spearfish spans $44,366. Spearfish has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spearfish ($60,454 effective) pays 7.29% more than Sioux Falls ($56,344 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 (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,101/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,136)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,454)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Sioux Falls grew 6.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.5% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$47,030 (2019) → $50,039 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$51,608 (2024) → $54,974 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Sioux Falls or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Spearfish as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Sioux Falls vs Spearfish?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov