Personal Care & Fitness Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Barber Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median barber salary in Rapid City, SD is $32,166 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$32,166
vs State Avg
+$715
vs National
$-3,574
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rapid City offers a median barber salary of $32,166, which is $715 above the South Dakota state average of $31,451. Compared to the national median of $35,740, 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 barbers in Rapid City spans from $20,700 at the 10th percentile to $55,800 at the 90th percentile — a $35,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,500, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Barber Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level barber earns around $22,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,500
$-2,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,300
$-3,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $20,700
25th Percentile $25,200
Median (50th) $32,166
75th Percentile $43,200
90th Percentile $55,800

Barber Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Barber in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

HaircuttingShavingClient ConsultationSanitationStylingBusiness Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, barber employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Barber Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open barber positions in Rapid City, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Barber make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median barber salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $32,166 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $20,700 (10th percentile) to $55,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,166, a barber in Rapid City earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for barber pay? ▼
Rapid City's median barber salary of $32,166 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $31,451. 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 barber salary of $32,166 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Rapid City? ▼
Most barber positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Haircutting, Shaving, Client Consultation, Sanitation. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.