Aerospace Engineer Salary in Rapid City, SD: $114,192 (2026)

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $114,192, which is $2,538 above the South Dakota state average of $111,654. Compared to the national median of $126,880, 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 aerospace engineers in Rapid City spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $172,800 at the 90th percentile — a $102,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,000, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $166,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $72,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$72,000

$-8,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$115,200

$-12,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$166,500

$-18,500 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$70,200	$68,640	$78,000
25th Percentile	$90,000	$88,000	$100,000
Median (50th)	$114,192	$111,654	$126,880
75th Percentile	$144,000	$140,800	$160,000
90th Percentile	$172,800	$168,960	$192,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$70,200

25th Percentile

$90,000

Median (50th)

$114,192

75th Percentile

$144,000

90th Percentile

$172,800

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median aerospace engineer salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $114,192 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $172,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $114,192, a aerospace engineer in Rapid City earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼

Rapid City's median aerospace engineer salary of $114,192 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $111,654. 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 aerospace engineer salary of $114,192 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Rapid City? ▼

Most aerospace engineer positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Aerodynamics, CATIA/CAD, Structural Analysis, MATLAB. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota