Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Rapid City, SD: $58,995 (2026)

Aircraft Mechanic Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median aircraft mechanic salary of $58,995, which is $1,311 above the South Dakota state average of $57,684. Compared to the national median of $65,550, 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 aircraft mechanics in Rapid City spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $90,900 at the 90th percentile — a $53,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior aircraft mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,400. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level aircraft mechanic earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,600

$-4,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$60,300

$-6,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$86,400

$-9,600 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$37,800	$36,960	$42,000
25th Percentile	$46,800	$45,760	$52,000
Median (50th)	$58,995	$57,684	$65,550
75th Percentile	$75,600	$73,920	$84,000
90th Percentile	$90,900	$88,880	$101,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$37,800

25th Percentile

$46,800

Median (50th)

$58,995

75th Percentile

$75,600

90th Percentile

$90,900

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic in Rapid City

Education

Most aircraft mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Aircraft SystemsA&P CertificationFAA RegulationsAvionicsTroubleshootingSafety Protocols

Job Outlook

Nationally, aircraft mechanic 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: Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median aircraft mechanic salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $58,995 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,550. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $90,900 (90th percentile).

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $58,995, a aircraft mechanic in Rapid City earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for aircraft mechanic pay? ▼

Rapid City's median aircraft mechanic salary of $58,995 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $57,684. 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 aircraft mechanic salary of $58,995 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a aircraft mechanic in Rapid City? ▼

Most aircraft mechanic positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Aircraft Systems, A&P Certification, FAA Regulations, Avionics. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota