Public Service Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median emt/paramedic salary in Rapid City, SD is $35,037 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$35,037
vs State Avg
+$779
vs National
$-3,893
Cost of Living
90%

EMT/Paramedic Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $35,037, which is $779 above the South Dakota state average of $34,258. Compared to the national median of $38,930, 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 emt/paramedics in Rapid City spans from $23,400 at the 10th percentile to $55,800 at the 90th percentile — a $32,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $23,400
25th Percentile $27,900
Median (50th) $35,037
75th Percentile $45,000
90th Percentile $55,800

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$35,816
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$33,480
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$32,701
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$31,923
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Rapid City

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $35,037 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $23,400 (10th percentile) to $55,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,037, a emt/paramedic in Rapid City earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Rapid City's median emt/paramedic salary of $35,037 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $34,258. 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 emt/paramedic salary of $35,037 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Rapid City? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Emergency Medicine, CPR/ALS, Patient Assessment, Trauma Care. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.