Trades & Labor Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

HVAC Technician Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median hvac technician salary in Rapid City, SD is $46,251 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$46,251
vs State Avg
+$1,028
vs National
$-5,139
Cost of Living
90%

HVAC Technician Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median hvac technician salary of $46,251, which is $1,028 above the South Dakota state average of $45,223. Compared to the national median of $51,390, 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 hvac technicians in Rapid City spans from $29,880 at the 10th percentile to $74,340 at the 90th percentile — a $44,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior hvac technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

HVAC Technician Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level hvac technician earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 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)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $36,720
Median (50th) $46,251
75th Percentile $60,120
90th Percentile $74,340

HVAC Technician Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$47,279
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$44,195
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$43,168
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$42,140
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a HVAC Technician in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

HVAC SystemsRefrigerationElectrical BasicsTroubleshootingEPA CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, hvac technician 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 HVAC Technician Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open hvac technician positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: HVAC Technician Salary in Rapid City

How much does a HVAC Technician make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median hvac technician salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $46,251 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $74,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a HVAC Technician make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,251, a hvac technician 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 hvac technician pay? ▼
Rapid City's median hvac technician salary of $46,251 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $45,223. 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 hvac technician salary of $46,251 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a hvac technician in Rapid City? ▼
Most hvac technician positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include HVAC Systems, Refrigeration, Electrical Basics, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.