Brookings vs Sioux Falls: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Brookings, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,055 | $125,355▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.74 | $60.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,972 | $67,083▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,999 | $85,894▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,110 | $153,741▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,235 | $182,056▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Sioux Falls is $32,300 (34.71%). Sioux Falls's median is +15.50% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $90,263,Sioux Falls spans $114,973. Sioux Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($138,314 effective) pays 37.93% more than Brookings ($100,275 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,355/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,056)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,314)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Brookings grew 28.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 82.0% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$70,303 (2024) → $90,082 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$66,670 (2019) → $121,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Brookings or Sioux Falls?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov