Agricultural Scientist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota
The median agricultural scientist salary in Rapid City, SD is $66,744 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.
Agricultural Scientist Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)
Rapid City offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $66,744, which is $1,483 above the South Dakota state average of $65,261. Compared to the national median of $74,160, 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 agricultural scientists in Rapid City spans from $39,600 at the 10th percentile to $109,800 at the 90th percentile — a $70,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Agricultural Scientist Salary in Rapid City by Experience
In Rapid City, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD
| Percentile | Rapid City |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $39,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,400 |
| Median (50th) | $66,744 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $109,800 |
Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Rapid City
Education
Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, agricultural scientist 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.
Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Rapid City
Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Rapid City, SD: