Science & Research Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Chemist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median chemist salary in Rapid City, SD is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$74,511
vs State Avg
+$1,656
vs National
$-8,279
Cost of Living
90%

Chemist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level chemist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,500
$-13,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $55,800
Median (50th) $74,511
75th Percentile $98,100
90th Percentile $127,800

Chemist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$76,167
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$71,199
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$69,544
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$67,888
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Chemist in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist 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 Chemist Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open chemist positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Chemist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median chemist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $127,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,511, a chemist in Rapid City earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for chemist pay? ▼
Rapid City's median chemist salary of $74,511 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $72,855. 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 chemist salary of $74,511 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Rapid City? ▼
Most chemist positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.