Cosmetologist Salary in Rapid City, SD: $31,572 (2026)

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

Rapid City offers a median cosmetologist salary of $31,572, which is $702 above the South Dakota state average of $30,870. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 cosmetologists in Rapid City spans from $19,800 at the 10th percentile to $52,200 at the 90th percentile — a $32,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,600, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$21,600

$-2,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$32,400

$-3,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$49,500

$-5,500 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$19,800	$19,360	$22,000
25th Percentile	$24,300	$23,760	$27,000
Median (50th)	$31,572	$30,870	$35,080
75th Percentile	$41,400	$40,480	$46,000
90th Percentile	$52,200	$51,040	$58,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$19,800

25th Percentile

$24,300

Median (50th)

$31,572

75th Percentile

$41,400

90th Percentile

$52,200

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Rapid City

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

The median cosmetologist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,800 (10th percentile) to $52,200 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $31,572, a cosmetologist 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 cosmetologist pay? ▼

Rapid City's median cosmetologist salary of $31,572 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $30,870. 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 cosmetologist salary of $31,572 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most cosmetologist positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Cosmetologist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota