Public Service Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Correctional Officer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median correctional officer salary in Rapid City, SD is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$44,649
vs State Avg
+$992
vs National
$-4,961
Cost of Living
90%

Correctional Officer Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median correctional officer salary of $44,649, which is $992 above the South Dakota state average of $43,657. Compared to the national median of $49,610, 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 correctional officers in Rapid City spans from $29,700 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th percentile — a $40,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 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)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $29,700
25th Percentile $35,100
Median (50th) $44,649
75th Percentile $56,700
90th Percentile $70,200

Correctional Officer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$45,641
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$42,665
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$41,672
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$40,680
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open correctional officer positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $29,700 (10th percentile) to $70,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,649, a correctional officer in Rapid City earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Rapid City's median correctional officer salary of $44,649 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $43,657. 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 correctional officer salary of $44,649 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Rapid City? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Rapid City require a high school diploma. Key skills include Security, Conflict Resolution, Report Writing, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.