Salaries in Sioux City, IA

Sioux City’s secret? It’s a place where a software developer can afford a house faster than one in Austin. With an unemployment rate at a rock-bottom 2.8% in 2026, the job market is tight, but so are the paychecks—until you factor in the cost of living.

Here’s the math that matters. The city’s Cost of Living Index sits at 88.1, meaning your dollar stretches about 12% further than the national average. That $780 one-bedroom rent isn’t a typo. The median household income is $62,350, but the COL-adjusted average salary jumps to $76,027. That’s real purchasing power. You’re not just earning; you’re buying more life for less money.

The economy here is built on the essentials. You’ve got major employers like Tyson Foods and MercyOne anchoring the healthcare and food production sectors. Construction is booming, and the tech scene, while smaller, is hungry for talent. The top-paying roles—Marketing Managers, Pharmacists, Software Developers—reflect that mix. A Marketing Manager pulling $151,992 sees that number stretch to an effective $172,522 nationally. It’s a professional’s market if you have the right skills.

But here’s the honest catch: with only 18.9% of the population holding a bachelor’s degree, the path to those top-tier salaries isn’t crowded, but it can feel isolating. Wages are holding steady against inflation, but the ceiling for advancement might be lower than in a coastal metro. This city works beautifully for skilled professionals who prioritize space and savings over urban buzz.

The data below breaks down who earns what, and why it might just be one of the Midwest’s best-kept financial secrets.