Business & Finance Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Accountant Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median accountant salary in Rapid City, SD is $71,892 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$71,892
vs State Avg
+$1,598
vs National
$-7,988
Cost of Living
90%

Accountant Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median accountant salary of $71,892, which is $1,598 above the South Dakota state average of $70,294. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Rapid City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rapid City's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for accountants in Rapid City spans from $45,360 at the 10th percentile to $119,520 at the 90th percentile — a $74,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Accountant Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level accountant earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $45,360
25th Percentile $56,430
Median (50th) $71,892
75th Percentile $92,160
90th Percentile $119,520

Accountant Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$73,490
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$68,697
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$67,099
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$65,502
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Accountant in Rapid City

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open accountant positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Accountant make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median accountant salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $71,892 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $45,360 (10th percentile) to $119,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,892, a accountant in Rapid City earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for accountant pay? ▼
Rapid City's median accountant salary of $71,892 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $70,294. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD? ▼
Rapid City has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $71,892 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Rapid City? ▼
Most accountant positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.