Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rapid City, SD: $123,642 (2026)

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median air traffic controller salary of $123,642, which is $2,748 above the South Dakota state average of $120,894. Compared to the national median of $137,380, 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 air traffic controllers in Rapid City spans from $73,800 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $104,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,000. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$76,500

$-8,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$126,000

$-14,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$171,000

$-19,000 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$73,800	$72,160	$82,000
25th Percentile	$97,200	$95,040	$108,000
Median (50th)	$123,642	$120,894	$137,380
75th Percentile	$157,500	$154,000	$175,000
90th Percentile	$178,200	$174,240	$198,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$73,800

25th Percentile

$97,200

Median (50th)

$123,642

75th Percentile

$157,500

90th Percentile

$178,200

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $73,800 (10th percentile) to $178,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $123,642, a air traffic controller in Rapid City earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Rapid City's median air traffic controller salary of $123,642 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $120,894. 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 air traffic controller salary of $123,642 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Rapid City? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota