What is the average salary in Rapid City, SD?
The city of Rapid City, SD, offers a diverse job market with varying salary ranges across different sectors. On average, professionals earn around $57,298 per year. The salary distribution provides a clear view of earnings potential for those seeking employment in this area.
Several industries contribute to the local economy, offering competitive wages. The top sectors include management, professional, and related jobs, along with sales and office roles. These positions often offer higher salaries, with some exceeding $100,000 annually. The detailed breakdown of salaries shows a range from around $28,000 for lower-tier positions to over $150,000 for the highest-paying jobs.
What are the best paying jobs in Rapid City, SD?

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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $136,488
Pharmacists work in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics, ensuring patients get the right medications. They consult with doctors and patients to help manage medication use. Rapid City has facilities like Monument Health that hire pharmacists.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $131,062
Traveling nurses move between different hospitals and clinics, providing essential care. They often work in emergency rooms, surgery centers, or long-term care facilities. Local hospitals like Black Hills Surgical Hospital often need traveling nurses.
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Counselor
Average Salary: $122,622
Counselors help people deal with personal or psychological problems. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. Rapid City offers many opportunities with organizations like Monument Health and local community centers.
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Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $109,491
ICU nurses care for patients with life-threatening conditions. They work long hours in high-pressure environments. Rapid City's hospitals, such as Monument Health, have ICU units in need of experienced nurses.
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Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $102,311
Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing problems. They work in hospitals and clinics, managing ventilators and providing therapies. Facilities like Monument Health often hire respiratory therapists.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $97,404
Behavior analysts help people with developmental disorders. They develop treatment plans and work with clients in various settings. Rapid City offers opportunities with local schools and clinics.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $95,757
Speech language pathologists treat patients with communication disorders. They work in hospitals, clinics, and schools. Opportunities exist with local educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $94,943
Occupational therapists help patients with disabilities. They develop treatment plans to improve daily living skills. Local hospitals and rehabilitation centers often need occupational therapists.
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Journeyman Electrician
Average Salary: $89,840
Journeyman electricians install and maintain electrical systems. They work on commercial and residential projects. Rapid City has many construction projects that require skilled electricians.
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Regional Manager
Average Salary: $89,840
Regional managers oversee operations in a specific area. They ensure their teams meet company goals. Companies in Rapid City, including healthcare and retail, often need experienced regional managers.
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What are the best paying jobs in Rapid City, SD without a degree?

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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $56,111
This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete. It requires working outdoors, often in all weather. Employers include construction companies and local builders.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $43,163
Manages the daily operations of a restaurant. Oversees staff, handles customer service, and ensures smooth operations. Popular employers include local chains and independent eateries.
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Drain Cleaner
Average Salary: $43,000
Responsible for clearing blockages in pipes and drains. This job involves working in tight spaces. Local plumbing services often hire for this role.
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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $40,901
Helps with the preparation and pouring of concrete. Requires manual labor and attention to detail. Construction companies are common employers.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $39,087
Installs and repairs flooring. This task involves working with various materials and tools. Businesses that focus on home renovations hire for these positions.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $37,615
Provides excellent customer service in various settings. Duties include taking orders and ensuring customer satisfaction. Fast food chains and local restaurants offer these roles.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $36,147
Cuts and packages meat products. It requires attention to detail and proper hygiene. Grocery stores and butcher shops often have openings.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $35,837
Maintains the grounds of residential or commercial properties. Tasks include landscaping and garden care. Property management firms and local businesses are common employers.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,245
Prepares ingredients and cooks food in bulk. This role requires fast-paced work and teamwork. Local restaurants and cafes often hire for this position.
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Laundry Technician
Average Salary: $34,213
Operates and maintains laundry equipment. Duties include cleaning machines and ensuring they work properly. Hotels and commercial laundry services frequently hire for this role.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Rapid City, SD?

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Nomad Health
Average Salary: $136,450
Nomad Health connects top talent with leading hospitals. They offer high pay for their staff.
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Slate Healthcare, LLC
Average Salary: $129,081
Slate Healthcare, LLC specializes in healthcare staffing solutions. Their employees benefit from competitive salaries.
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OneStaff Medical
Average Salary: $120,155
OneStaff Medical provides medical staffing services. Their staff enjoy a good salary and benefits.
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Genie Healthcare
Average Salary: $120,020
Genie Healthcare offers staffing solutions for healthcare facilities. They pay well for their staff.
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FUSION Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $106,648
FUSION Medical Staffing helps healthcare facilities find top talent. Their employees earn a solid salary.
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Black Hills Corporation
Average Salary: $104,637
Black Hills Corporation operates in utilities and energy. They provide a competitive salary to their staff.
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Brink Constructors, Inc.
Average Salary: $78,402
Brink Constructors, Inc. is in the construction business. They pay well for their workers.
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Vibra Healthcare
Average Salary: $75,214
Vibra Healthcare offers healthcare services. Their employees receive a fair salary.
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MasTec Industrial
Average Salary: $73,345
MasTec Industrial provides construction and infrastructure services. They offer good pay for their staff.
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Sanford Health
Average Salary: $62,240
Sanford Health is a large healthcare provider. They pay their employees well.
How does the cost of living in Rapid City, SD compare to the national average?

Rapid City, South Dakota, presents a cost of living index that is slightly below the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Rapid City stand at 85, indicating a 15% reduction compared to the national average. This makes housing more affordable for those considering a move to Rapid City. Similarly, the miscellaneous cost index is 87, showing a 13% decrease, which can benefit residents seeking lower expenses in various daily items.
Other categories also reflect lower expenses. Groceries cost 95, a 5% reduction, and utilities are at 90, which is 10% less than average. Transportation costs are slightly lower at 92, a difference of 8%. Healthcare costs are notably close to the national average at 98, showing only a 2% difference. Overall, Rapid City offers a slightly more affordable living situation in several key areas, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.



