Economist Salary in Rapid City, SD: $102,546 (2026)

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

Rapid City offers a median economist salary of $102,546, which is $2,279 above the South Dakota state average of $100,267. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in Rapid City spans from $55,800 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $122,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $166,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level economist earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,500

$-6,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$103,500

$-11,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$166,500

$-18,500 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$55,800	$54,560	$62,000
25th Percentile	$73,800	$72,160	$82,000
Median (50th)	$102,546	$100,267	$113,940
75th Percentile	$139,500	$136,400	$155,000
90th Percentile	$178,200	$174,240	$198,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$55,800

25th Percentile

$73,800

Median (50th)

$102,546

75th Percentile

$139,500

90th Percentile

$178,200

How to Become a Economist in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Rapid City

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

The median economist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $102,546 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $55,800 (10th percentile) to $178,200 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $102,546, a economist in Rapid City earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for economist pay? ▼

Rapid City's median economist salary of $102,546 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $100,267. 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 economist salary of $102,546 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most economist positions in Rapid City require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Economist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota