Healthcare Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Genetic Counselor Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median genetic counselor salary in Rapid City, SD is $80,991 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$80,991
vs State Avg
+$1,800
vs National
$-8,999
Cost of Living
90%

Genetic Counselor Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median genetic counselor salary of $80,991, which is $1,800 above the South Dakota state average of $79,191. Compared to the national median of $89,990, 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 genetic counselors in Rapid City spans from $54,000 at the 10th percentile to $117,000 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,800, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $55,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,800
$-6,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,900
$-9,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,500
$-12,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $54,000
25th Percentile $66,600
Median (50th) $80,991
75th Percentile $97,200
90th Percentile $117,000

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$82,791
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$77,391
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$75,592
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$73,792
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

GeneticsPatient CounselingPedigree AnalysisGenetic TestingCommunicationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, genetic counselor employment is projected to grow 26% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $80,991 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $54,000 (10th percentile) to $117,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,991, a genetic counselor in Rapid City earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Rapid City's median genetic counselor salary of $80,991 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $79,191. 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 genetic counselor salary of $80,991 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Rapid City? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Rapid City require a master's degree. Key skills include Genetics, Patient Counseling, Pedigree Analysis, Genetic Testing. The job market is projected to grow 26% nationally over the next decade.