Science & Research Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Geologist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median geologist salary in Rapid City, SD is $75,312 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$75,312
vs State Avg
+$1,674
vs National
$-8,368
Cost of Living
90%

Geologist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level geologist earns around $48,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,000
$-14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $45,900
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $75,312
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $133,200

Geologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$76,986
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$71,965
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$70,291
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$68,618
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Geologist in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open geologist positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Geologist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median geologist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $75,312 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $45,900 (10th percentile) to $133,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,312, a geologist in Rapid City earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for geologist pay? ▼
Rapid City's median geologist salary of $75,312 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $73,638. 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 geologist salary of $75,312 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Rapid City? ▼
Most geologist positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.