Overview Salaries

Salaries in Rapid City, SD

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Rapid City, SD?

The average salary in Rapid City, SD is $57,493 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Rapid City, SD, showing an average salary of $57,493 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Rapid City, SD, showing an average salary of $4,791 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Rapid City, SD, showing an average salary of $1,106 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Rapid City, SD, showing an average salary of $28 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Rapid City, SD, offers a diverse job market with competitive salaries across various sectors. The average yearly salary in the area is around $57,493. This provides a strong foundation for professionals looking for new opportunities. Salaries can vary significantly depending on the industry and position.


A look at the salary distribution reveals several sectors with higher earnings. The highest-paying industries include management, business, and financial operations, which pay an average of $149,091 annually. Other notable sectors include computer and mathematical, architecture, and engineering, with average salaries of $124,873 and $112,764 respectively. These numbers highlight the potential for higher earnings in specialized fields.

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What are the best paying jobs in Rapid City, SD?

If you're searching for top-paying jobs in Rapid City, SD, several roles offer competitive salaries. Pharmacists and traveling nurses lead the way, both earning above $130,000 annually. These positions require specialized skills and training but offer excellent pay and job stability. Further down the list are counselors and intensive care unit nurses, who both make over $100,000 each year. These roles demand dedication and often require advanced degrees or certifications. Respiratory therapists, behavior analysts, and speech-language pathologists also offer salaries above $95,000, providing solid income for skilled professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Rapid City, SD, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $135,298 and Journeyman Electrician with the lowest at $89,167.

  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $135,298
    Pharmacists help people stay healthy. They review prescriptions and give advice. Working in pharmacies and hospitals, they ensure safety.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Rapid City, SD


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $130,599
    Traveling nurses provide care in various places. They work in different settings and meet new people. They help patients in need of medical attention.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Rapid City, SD


  3. Counselor
    Average Salary: $124,132
    Counselors support individuals dealing with challenges. They offer guidance and help clients develop coping strategies. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices.
    Find Counselor jobs in Rapid City, SD


  4. Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $109,411
    ICU nurses care for critically ill patients. They monitor vital signs and provide treatment. Working in hospitals, they save lives every day.
    Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Rapid City, SD


  5. Respiratory Therapist
    Average Salary: $102,565
    Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing issues. They set up and monitor equipment. They work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Rapid City, SD


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $97,424
    Behavior analysts improve patients’ quality of life. They assess behavior and develop treatment plans. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Rapid City, SD


  7. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $95,413
    Speech pathologists help patients with communication. They evaluate speech and provide therapy. They work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Rapid City, SD


  8. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $95,240
    Occupational therapists help patients regain skills. They create personalized treatment plans. They work in hospitals, clinics, and schools.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Rapid City, SD


  9. Regional Manager
    Average Salary: $89,494
    Regional managers oversee operations in multiple locations. They ensure efficiency and meet goals. They work for companies and manage teams.
    Find Regional Manager jobs in Rapid City, SD


  10. Journeyman Electrician
    Average Salary: $89,167
    Journeyman electricians install and repair electrical systems. They follow blueprints and ensure safety. They work on construction sites and in homes.
    Find Journeyman Electrician jobs in Rapid City, SD

What are the best paying jobs in Rapid City, SD without a degree?

Rapid City, South Dakota, offers several lucrative career paths that do not require a college degree. Among the top-paying jobs are Concrete Finishers, who can earn an average salary of $56,001. Other high-paying roles include Restaurant Managers and Drain Cleaners, with average salaries of $43,304 and $43,000, respectively. These positions provide opportunities for individuals seeking well-paying jobs without extensive formal education. Loader Operators, Floor Techs, and Service Team Members also offer attractive average salaries ranging from $40,745 to $37,168. Meat Cutters, Groundskeepers, and Laundry Technicians provide good earning potential with average salaries from $35,516 to $34,213. These jobs can be a great fit for those who prefer to enter the workforce quickly and start earning a good income.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Rapid City, SD without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $56,001 and Laundry Technician with the lowest at $34,213.

  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $56,001
    Concrete finishers mix and lay concrete. They smooth and texture the surface. This job suits those who like working outdoors. Many local construction firms hire them.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Rapid City, SD


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $43,304
    A restaurant manager oversees staff and operations. They handle customer service and ensure smooth restaurant functioning. Many local eateries seek skilled managers.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Rapid City, SD


  3. Drain Cleaner
    Average Salary: $43,000
    Drain cleaners fix plumbing issues. They inspect pipes and clear blockages. This job suits those who like problem-solving. Local plumbing services often need skilled technicians.
    Find Drain Cleaner jobs in Rapid City, SD


  4. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $40,857
    Concrete laborers help prepare and pour concrete. They mix and spread materials. This job suits those who like manual labor. Many local construction firms hire laborers.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Rapid City, SD


  5. Loader Operator
    Average Salary: $40,745
    Loader operators use heavy machinery. They load and unload materials. This job suits those comfortable with big equipment. Many local businesses hire loader operators.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Rapid City, SD


  6. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $39,020
    Floor techs install and maintain flooring. They use various tools and materials. This job suits those who like craftsmanship. Local construction firms and hardware stores often hire floor techs.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Rapid City, SD


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,168
    Service team members assist customers. They handle inquiries and ensure satisfaction. This job suits those who enjoy helping others. Local restaurants and cafes hire service team members.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Rapid City, SD


  8. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $35,516
    Meat cutters slice and package meat. They follow safety and quality guidelines. This job suits those who like food preparation. Local grocery stores and butcher shops hire meat cutters.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Rapid City, SD


  9. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $35,408
    Groundskeepers maintain outdoor areas. They mow lawns and trim shrubs. This job suits those who enjoy working outdoors. Many local parks and institutions hire groundskeepers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Rapid City, SD


  10. Laundry Technician
    Average Salary: $34,213
    Laundry technicians operate and maintain laundry equipment. They handle washing and drying cycles. This job suits those who like working with machines. Local laundromats and institutions hire laundry technicians.
    Find Laundry Technician jobs in Rapid City, SD

Which companies offer the top salaries in Rapid City, SD?

Rapid City offers several companies that provide competitive salaries for their employees. Nomad Health leads the pack with an average salary of $136,139. Slate Healthcare, LLC and OneStaff Medical also offer attractive compensation packages, with average salaries of $127,886 and $120,155, respectively. These top-paying companies provide various career opportunities. Employees at Genie Healthcare and FUSION Medical Staffing can expect average salaries of $120,020 and $106,329, respectively. Other notable employers in the area include Black Hills Corporation, Brink Constructors, Inc., Vibra Healthcare, MasTec Industrial, and Sanford Health, all offering competitive wages.
Graph displaying company salaries in Rapid City, SD, highlighting Nomad Health with the highest at $136,139 and Sanford Health with the lowest at $62,474.

  1. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $136,139
    Nomad Health offers top-tier positions in various healthcare fields. They value flexibility and innovation, providing employees with competitive salaries.


  2. Slate Healthcare, LLC
    Average Salary: $127,886
    Slate Healthcare, LLC is well-regarded for its commitment to quality healthcare services. They offer attractive salaries and support professional growth.


  3. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $120,155
    OneStaff Medical connects healthcare professionals with rewarding job opportunities. Their competitive pay reflects their dedication to employee satisfaction.


  4. Genie Healthcare
    Average Salary: $120,020
    Genie Healthcare specializes in staffing healthcare professionals. They provide a supportive work environment and offer salaries that reflect their high standards.


  5. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $106,329
    FUSION Medical Staffing offers diverse healthcare staffing solutions. They focus on employee well-being and provide competitive compensation packages.


  6. Black Hills Corporation
    Average Salary: $105,480
    Black Hills Corporation is a leader in energy and telecommunications. They offer stable employment and competitive salaries for their dedicated workforce.


  7. Brink Constructors, Inc.
    Average Salary: $76,985
    Brink Constructors, Inc. provides construction services with a focus on quality and safety. They offer good salaries and opportunities for career advancement.


  8. Vibra Healthcare
    Average Salary: $75,076
    Vibra Healthcare offers comprehensive healthcare services. They value their employees and provide a stable work environment with competitive pay.


  9. MasTec Industrial
    Average Salary: $72,678
    MasTec Industrial specializes in infrastructure construction. They provide competitive salaries and focus on employee development and safety.


  10. Sanford Health
    Average Salary: $62,474
    Sanford Health is a prominent healthcare provider. They offer a supportive work environment and strive to provide competitive compensation to their employees.

How does the cost of living in Rapid City, SD compare to the national average?

Rapid City, SD, shows a cost of living index that varies across categories but generally remains below the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs, for instance, are 15% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable option for potential residents. Other categories like groceries, utilities, and transportation also hover around or slightly above the average, indicating a balanced living expense profile. When considering healthcare, Rapid City stands out with a 5% higher index, which could influence relocation decisions. Despite this slight increase, the overall lower housing costs might offset this factor for many. This mixed picture provides job seekers with a clear understanding of potential living expenses in Rapid City compared to the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Rapid City, SD vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a cost of living that is slightly lower than the nationwide average. With a cost of living index of 92, the city provides more affordable living options for many residents. Specifically, housing costs in Rapid City are about 15% lower than the national average, which can be a significant savings for job seekers. This includes expenses for rent or mortgage, utilities, and other housing-related costs.


Other areas also reflect this trend of affordability. For example, groceries cost 5% less in Rapid City compared to the national average. Utilities are also slightly lower at 10% less. Transportation costs are just 2% below the national average. Healthcare costs, while higher at 5%, may still present an overall lower total cost compared to more expensive regions. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are about 12% lower. Overall, Rapid City presents a cost of living that is competitive and beneficial for those looking to balance lifestyle and budget.

There are 1,193 job openings in Rapid City, SD, today!

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Rapid City, SD
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