Creative & Education Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Chef Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median chef salary in Rapid City, SD is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$50,868
vs State Avg
+$1,130
vs National
$-5,652
Cost of Living
90%

Chef Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level chef earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $37,980
Median (50th) $50,868
75th Percentile $67,500
90th Percentile $88,020

Chef Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$51,998
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$48,607
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$47,477
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$46,346
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Chef in Rapid City

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open chef positions in Rapid City, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Chef make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median chef salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $88,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,868, a chef in Rapid City earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for chef pay? ▼
Rapid City's median chef salary of $50,868 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $49,738. 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 chef salary of $50,868 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Rapid City? ▼
Most chef positions in Rapid City require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.