Public Service Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Firefighter Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median firefighter salary in Rapid City, SD is $46,512 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$46,512
vs State Avg
+$1,034
vs National
$-5,168
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rapid City offers a median firefighter salary of $46,512, which is $1,034 above the South Dakota state average of $45,478. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 firefighters in Rapid City spans from $26,640 at the 10th percentile to $83,520 at the 90th percentile — a $56,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $26,640
25th Percentile $34,740
Median (50th) $46,512
75th Percentile $64,080
90th Percentile $83,520

Firefighter Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$47,546
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$44,445
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$43,411
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$42,378
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Firefighter in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter 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 Firefighter Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open firefighter positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Firefighter make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $46,512 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,640 (10th percentile) to $83,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,512, a firefighter in Rapid City earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Rapid City's median firefighter salary of $46,512 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $45,478. 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 firefighter salary of $46,512 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Rapid City? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.