What is the average salary in Rapid City, SD?
Salaries in Rapid City, SD, vary across different sectors. The average yearly salary for workers is around $56,961. The highest-paying jobs often involve management, professional, and technical roles. Lower-paying jobs are mostly found in service and sales positions.
The distribution shows that most workers earn between $28,000 and $142,343. These figures reflect the range of earnings depending on the job type. Higher salaries usually go to those in finance, healthcare, and IT. Lower salaries often belong to workers in hospitality and retail.
What are the best paying jobs in Rapid City, SD?

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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $128,893
Flexibility and variety define this role. Travelers assist in different locations, providing vital care. Hospitals and clinics in Rapid City are in need of experienced nurses.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $128,838
Vital in ensuring public health, pharmacists advise on medications. They work closely with patients to manage prescriptions. Local pharmacies and hospitals are looking for qualified candidates.
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Counselor
Average Salary: $126,187
Supporting individuals through difficult times, counselors provide guidance. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. They help clients navigate their challenges and find solutions.
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Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $107,503
Specializing in critical care, these nurses monitor patients closely. They work in busy, fast-paced environments. Rapid City hospitals need skilled professionals to care for the most vulnerable patients.
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Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $105,112
Helping patients breathe, respiratory therapists provide essential care. They work in hospitals and clinics to assist those with respiratory issues. Knowledgeable and skilled professionals are always in demand.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $100,917
Working with individuals to improve behaviors, analysts design and implement programs. They collaborate with families, educators, and healthcare providers. Schools and private practices are hiring qualified candidates.
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Regional Manager
Average Salary: $94,455
Managing operations across multiple sites, regional managers ensure efficiency. They oversee staff, budgets, and projects. Companies in Rapid City value strong leaders with experience.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $92,406
Helping patients with communication and swallowing, pathologists provide crucial support. They work in schools, hospitals, and private clinics. Rapid City needs skilled professionals to assist those with speech and language difficulties.
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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $91,719
Focusing on oral health, hygienists clean teeth and educate patients. They work in dental offices, providing preventive care. Local practices are looking for dedicated professionals to join their team.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $91,617
Assisting patients in regaining independence, therapists develop treatment plans. They work in hospitals, schools, and private clinics. Rapid City values professionals who help people improve their quality of life.
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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: $55,138
They work with cement, shaping and smoothing it for buildings and structures. They use tools to smooth the surface and make sure it looks good. This job can involve working with construction companies and local builders.
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Drain Cleaner
Average Salary: $46,474
They fix problems with pipes and drains, often working in homes and businesses. They use special tools to clear blockages. This role involves a lot of travel, working for plumbing companies.
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Loader Operator
Average Salary: $43,169
They drive machines to move materials like dirt, rocks, and other items. They work on construction sites and help with building projects. This job often involves working with contractors and local developers.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $41,374
They oversee daily operations in restaurants. They manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth running. This role involves working with food service companies and local eateries.
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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $40,804
They help concrete finishers by moving materials and cleaning tools. They often work on construction sites, helping to build foundations and structures. This job involves working with construction firms and local builders.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $36,844
They clean and maintain floors in commercial buildings. They use machines and chemicals to clean and polish. This role involves working for cleaning companies and businesses in the area.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $36,603
They assist customers in stores, providing support and service. They help with tasks like stocking shelves and running registers. This job involves working in retail stores in the community.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $34,114
They maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other public areas. They perform tasks like mowing, pruning, and cleaning. This role involves working for local government and property management companies.
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Laundry Technician
Average Salary: $33,768
They operate and maintain laundry equipment. They ensure machines run smoothly and handle repairs when needed. This job often involves working in laundromats and hotels.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $33,574
They prepare food in kitchens, following recipes and cooking instructions. They work quickly to ensure meals are served on time. This role involves working in restaurants and food service establishments.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Rapid City, SD?

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Synchrony
Average Salary: $155,207
Synchrony offers a variety of roles in finance and customer service. They are known for their benefits and opportunities for growth.
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Nomad Health
Average Salary: $135,241
Nomad Health focuses on healthcare staffing. They provide competitive salaries and have a dynamic work environment.
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Slate Healthcare, LLC
Average Salary: $132,520
Slate Healthcare, LLC specializes in staffing solutions for the healthcare industry. They value their employees and offer good compensation.
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Genie Healthcare
Average Salary: $119,369
Genie Healthcare offers positions in healthcare staffing. They provide a supportive environment and competitive pay.
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OneStaff Medical
Average Salary: $118,921
OneStaff Medical is a leading staffing agency for healthcare professionals. They offer good salaries and career development opportunities.
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FUSION Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $105,892
FUSION Medical Staffing connects healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They offer competitive pay and benefits.
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Black Hills Corporation
Average Salary: $105,128
Black Hills Corporation provides utility services. They offer stable employment with a good salary package.
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Vibra Healthcare
Average Salary: $75,621
Vibra Healthcare offers healthcare services and positions. They provide a supportive work environment.
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Brink Constructors, Inc.
Average Salary: $73,369
Brink Constructors, Inc. specializes in construction and engineering. They offer solid compensation for their employees.
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Midwestern Mechanical Inc.
Average Salary: $67,577
Midwestern Mechanical Inc. provides mechanical services. They offer competitive wages for their skilled workers.
How does the cost of living in Rapid City, SD compare to the national average?

Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. For housing, Rapid City's cost is significantly lower, with an index of 79. This means residents pay about 21% less for housing compared to the national average. In terms of groceries, the index stands at 91, which reflects a slightly lower expenditure, around 9% under the national average.
Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also show varied differences from the national average. The utility index is 92, indicating about an 8% increase. Transportation costs are close to the average, with an index of 95, suggesting a modest 5% increase. Healthcare, with an index of 92, follows suit at roughly 8% lower than the national average. Miscellaneous expenses have an index of 88, which means residents spend about 12% less in this category. Overall, Rapid City presents a cost of living that is about 90% of the nationwide average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.



