Overview Salaries

Salaries in Rapid City, SD

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Rapid City, SD?

The average salary in Rapid City, SD is $57,248 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Rapid City, SD, showing an average salary of $57,248 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Rapid City, SD, showing an average salary of $4,771 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Rapid City, SD, showing an average salary of $1,101 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 range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $57,248, showing a mix of competitive wages. Some sectors, like healthcare and education, have notably higher average salaries.


Here are the salary ranges in Rapid City based on different occupations:

  • Health care: $121,696
  • Education: $133,408
  • Information technology: $98,272
  • Retail: $39,712
  • Construction: $51,424
  • Food service: $28,000
  • Manufacturing: $63,136
  • Finance: $109,984
  • Real estate: $74,848
  • Transportation: $145,120
  • Arts and entertainment: $86,560
The distribution of these salaries highlights the variety of career options available in Rapid City, making it a promising place for job seekers.

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

Rapid City, SD, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. Pharmacists can expect to earn around $137,617 annually. Other top-paying roles include traveling nurses, counselors, and respiratory therapists, with salaries surpassing $100,000 each year. These positions provide stable incomes and good benefits. For instance, becoming a travel nurse pays nearly $133,000 each year. Counselors earn about $122,555 annually, while respiratory therapists make around $101,000. Job seekers in Rapid City will find these roles rewarding and financially attractive.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Rapid City, SD, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $137,617 and Regional Manager with the lowest at $90,913.

  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $137,617
    Serve customers in local pharmacies, ensuring medication safety. Work with healthcare providers to optimize patient care. Positions are available at local Walgreens and CVS.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Rapid City, SD


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $133,010
    Provide care in various healthcare settings. Work with local health organizations and clinics. Flexibility to travel within the region.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Rapid City, SD


  3. Counselor
    Average Salary: $122,555
    Help individuals overcome challenges. Offer counseling services in schools and community centers. Work with local nonprofit organizations.
    Find Counselor jobs in Rapid City, SD


  4. Respiratory Therapist
    Average Salary: $101,363
    Assist patients with breathing difficulties. Work in hospitals and clinics. Support provided by local healthcare facilities.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Rapid City, SD


  5. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $99,332
    Conduct assessments and develop behavior intervention plans. Work in educational settings and healthcare facilities. Collaborate with teachers and therapists.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Rapid City, SD


  6. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $96,883
    Help individuals with speech and language disorders. Provide therapy in schools and clinics. Opportunities with local educational institutions.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Rapid City, SD


  7. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $96,627
    Manage technical projects for tech companies. Lead teams in developing software and hardware. Positions available with local tech firms.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Rapid City, SD


  8. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $94,241
    Help individuals regain independence after injury. Work in rehabilitation centers and schools. Support from local healthcare providers.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Rapid City, SD


  9. Journeyman Electrician
    Average Salary: $92,234
    Install and maintain electrical systems. Work for construction companies and local businesses. Opportunities with regional electrical contractors.
    Find Journeyman Electrician jobs in Rapid City, SD


  10. Regional Manager
    Average Salary: $90,913
    Oversee regional operations for businesses. Manage teams and ensure efficient operations. Work with local corporations and retail stores.
    Find Regional Manager jobs in Rapid City, SD

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

Job seekers in Rapid City, SD, have several top-paying job opportunities that do not require a college degree. Among these roles, concrete finishers can earn an average of $55,927 annually. Other high-paying positions include drain cleaners, concrete laborers, and floor techs, all offering competitive salaries and the chance to start a rewarding career. Concrete finishers and drain cleaners lead in pay, making significant contributions to construction and maintenance. Other notable jobs include concrete laborers, floor techs, and service team members, each providing stable income and valuable experience. These jobs allow individuals to build a successful career without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Rapid City, SD without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $55,927 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $33,050.

  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $55,927
    Concrete Finishers work with crews to pour, spread, and smooth concrete. Companies such as ABC Construction and Rapid City Concrete seek skilled workers for their projects. The job demands physical strength and attention to detail.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Rapid City, SD


  2. Drain Cleaner
    Average Salary: $43,000
    Drain Cleaners use tools to remove blockages in pipes and drains. Businesses like Rapid City Plumbing and Roto-Rooter hire individuals for this role. The work requires problem-solving skills and knowledge of plumbing systems.
    Find Drain Cleaner jobs in Rapid City, SD


  3. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $40,513
    Concrete Laborers assist with mixing, pouring, and finishing concrete. Companies like XYZ Concrete Services and Mountain Concrete need reliable workers. This job often involves manual labor and teamwork.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Rapid City, SD


  4. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $39,385
    Floor Techs install and repair flooring. They work for companies such as Carpet One and Floor & Decor. This role requires attention to detail and experience with different flooring materials.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Rapid City, SD


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,933
    Service Team Members provide customer support and handle transactions. Businesses like Speedy Auto Services and Rapid City Auto Repair look for friendly and efficient individuals. This role involves interacting with customers and performing basic maintenance.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Rapid City, SD


  6. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $36,147
    Meat Cutters prepare and package meat products. Companies such as Swift Beef and Rapid City Meats hire skilled workers. The job requires knowledge of meat cuts and food safety practices.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Rapid City, SD


  7. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $35,003
    Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of commercial properties. Employers like Rapid City Landscaping and City Parks Department need reliable workers. This role involves gardening, cleaning, and light construction.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Rapid City, SD


  8. Laundry Technician
    Average Salary: $34,836
    Laundry Technicians operate and maintain laundry equipment. Facilities such as local hotels and Rapid City Laundromats seek skilled workers. This job requires knowledge of machinery and basic repairs.
    Find Laundry Technician jobs in Rapid City, SD


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,067
    Line Cooks prepare ingredients and cook meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Restaurants like Main Street Diner and Buffalo Wild Wings look for experienced cooks. The job demands teamwork and attention to detail.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Rapid City, SD


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $33,050
    Kitchen Team Members assist in food preparation and cooking. Businesses such as Rapid City Cafe and City Cafe need reliable workers. This role involves following recipes and maintaining cleanliness.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Rapid City, SD

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

Job seekers in Rapid City, SD, have the opportunity to explore top-paying companies that offer competitive salaries. Leading the pack is Synchrony Financial Employees Health Services, offering an average salary of $157,594. Other high-paying options include Nomad Health, American Traveler, and Superbeo, each providing attractive compensation packages for their employees. The healthcare sector appears to be a significant employer of higher wages, with companies like Slate Healthcare and Genie Healthcare also featuring prominently in the list. These companies, along with Fusion Medical Staffing and Black Hills Energy, provide job seekers with opportunities to secure a good income in Rapid City.
Graph displaying company salaries in Rapid City, SD, highlighting SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH SERVICES with the highest at $157,594 and LifeScape with the lowest at $85,432.

  1. SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH SERVICES
    Average Salary: $157,594
    SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH SERVICES offers a variety of roles with competitive pay. They focus on health care and financial services, providing stable job opportunities.


  2. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $137,528
    Nomad Health provides rewarding career options in healthcare. They prioritize employee benefits and professional growth, making it an attractive employer.


  3. American Traveler
    Average Salary: $134,715
    American Traveler specializes in travel nursing and allied health jobs. They offer good compensation and benefits, along with opportunities for professional development.


  4. Superbeo
    Average Salary: $133,190
    Superbeo is a leading staffing firm in healthcare. They offer high salaries and excellent benefits, creating a positive work environment for their employees.


  5. Slate Healthcare
    Average Salary: $129,084
    Slate Healthcare provides quality healthcare staffing solutions. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work culture, making it a great place to work.


  6. Genie Healthcare
    Average Salary: $120,369
    Genie Healthcare is known for its high pay and comprehensive benefits packages. They specialize in healthcare staffing and offer rewarding career opportunities.


  7. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $120,155
    OneStaff Medical offers healthcare staffing positions with attractive salaries. They provide a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional advancement.


  8. Fusion Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $107,149
    Fusion Medical Staffing offers good compensation and benefits. They specialize in healthcare staffing and focus on providing quality care to their clients.


  9. Black Hills Energy
    Average Salary: $104,475
    Black Hills Energy is a major utility company that provides energy services. They offer competitive salaries and a range of benefits, making it an attractive employer.


  10. LifeScape
    Average Salary: $85,432
    LifeScape focuses on healthcare and rehabilitation services. They offer a supportive work environment and opportunities for career growth in the healthcare sector.

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

Rapid City, SD, boasts a cost of living that is notably below the nationwide average. With a cost of living index of 93, individuals can expect to find expenses that are 7% lower than the national average. This advantageous index is seen across various sectors, including housing, groceries, and healthcare, making Rapid City an attractive location for those seeking affordability. The housing index stands at 92, meaning residents pay 8% less than the average American. Groceries also remain cheaper at 95, representing a 5% discount. Utilities, transportation, and healthcare indices are all close to the national average, with only miscellaneous expenses at 90, which translates to a 10% reduction. This overall lower cost of living presents a compelling opportunity for job seekers and families looking to manage their budgets effectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Rapid City, SD vs. Nationwide: housing 8% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 1% lower, transportation 7% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a cost of living that is notably below the nationwide average. Job seekers will find that housing costs are about 8% lower than the national average, providing potential savings in this category. This advantage is coupled with grocery costs that are slightly lower, at 5% below average. Utilities in Rapid City hover closely around the national average, at 1% above, indicating minor extra expenses for energy services.


Transportation costs in Rapid City also lean favorably at 7% below the nationwide average, making commuting more affordable. Healthcare costs are nearly on par with the national average, at just 3% below, showing relatively stable pricing. However, miscellaneous expenses, which can include items such as clothing and entertainment, are 10% lower, offering further opportunities for savings. Overall, Rapid City presents a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national benchmark, providing a more affordable lifestyle for residents and new job seekers.

There are 1,312 job openings in Rapid City, SD, today!

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Rapid City, SD
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