Engineering Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Environmental Engineer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median environmental engineer salary in Rapid City, SD is $87,138 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$87,138
vs State Avg
+$1,936
vs National
$-9,682
Cost of Living
90%

Environmental Engineer Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median environmental engineer salary of $87,138, which is $1,936 above the South Dakota state average of $85,202. Compared to the national median of $96,820, 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 environmental engineers in Rapid City spans from $54,900 at the 10th percentile to $133,200 at the 90th percentile — a $78,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,800
$-14,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $54,900
25th Percentile $68,400
Median (50th) $87,138
75th Percentile $109,800
90th Percentile $133,200

Environmental Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$89,074
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$83,265
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$81,329
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$79,392
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open environmental engineer positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $87,138 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $54,900 (10th percentile) to $133,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,138, a environmental engineer in Rapid City earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼
Rapid City's median environmental engineer salary of $87,138 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $85,202. 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 environmental engineer salary of $87,138 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Rapid City? ▼
Most environmental engineer positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, Air Quality, EPA Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.