Salaries in Mitchell, SD
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Think you need a coastal tech salary to live well? Look at Mitchell, South Dakota. A software developer here pulls in $123,251, but with the city's cost of living at just 89.5 (that's 10.5% below the US average), their paycheck actually feels like $137,711. That’s real power in a small town of 15,637.
That discount changes everything. The median household income is $56,374, which might sound modest, but your rent for a one-bedroom is just $760 a month. You’re not battling a 100+ COL index where every dollar gets squeezed. For the average job paying $55,210, the adjusted value is a much healthier $61,688. It’s a genuine bargain, especially if you’re in healthcare, education, or a skilled trade—the sectors that keep this place humming. A registered nurse earns $83,358 here, a figure that would get swallowed whole in Minneapolis or Denver.
So, who thrives here? The economy runs on education, healthcare, and skilled labor. Mitchell is home to the famous Corn Palace, but its real anchors are the hospital system, the public school district, and a robust agricultural support network. The unemployment rate is a rock-bottom 2.2%, meaning if you have in-demand skills, you’ve got leverage. My honest take? The wages for teachers and electricians, while COL-adjusted, still feel a bit tight for building serious wealth. But for a two-income family, especially with one partner in a top-tier field like software or accounting, the math is compelling.
The data below breaks down the top-paying jobs and shows you exactly where the money is. You might be surprised by who comes out ahead.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Mitchell
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Mitchell
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (90/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $123,251 |
| 2 | Accountant | $83,368 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $83,358 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,664 |
| 5 | Electrician | $59,611 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $59,543 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,417 |
| 8 | Marketing Manager | $48,424 |
| 9 | Paralegal | $48,424 |
| 10 | Medical Assistant | $48,424 |
| 11 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,424 |
| 12 | Welder | $48,424 |
| 13 | Pharmacist | $48,424 |
| 14 | Project Manager | $48,424 |
| 15 | Police Officer | $48,424 |
| 16 | Graphic Designer | $48,424 |
| 17 | Data Analyst | $48,424 |
| 18 | Plumber | $48,424 |
| 19 | Carpenter | $48,424 |
| 20 | Physical Therapist | $48,424 |
| 21 | Human Resources Specialist | $48,424 |
| 22 | Financial Analyst | $48,424 |
| 23 | Construction Manager | $48,424 |
| 24 | HVAC Technician | $48,424 |
| 25 | Firefighter | $48,424 |
| 26 | Dental Hygienist | $48,424 |
| 27 | Web Developer | $48,424 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Mitchell
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Mitchell?
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❓ Mitchell Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Mitchell Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Mitchell, SD is a smart financial move if you play to its strengths. With a cost-of-living index of 89.5 and rent at just $760 a month, your paycheck stretches further than in most places. The average salary of $55,210 goes a long way here, but the real winner is tech—Software Developers earn an adjusted $137,711, making them the clear financial champions. Healthcare and trades do fine, but tech gets the golden ticket. If you’re considering the move, my advice is simple: lock in a remote-friendly tech role or a local developer job before you pack. Don’t come here hoping to find high-paying work on the ground; come here to make a high salary work for you. Mitchell isn’t flashy, but for the right worker, it’s a goldmine.