Media & Communications Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Journalist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median journalist salary in Rapid City, SD is $50,364 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$50,364
vs State Avg
+$1,119
vs National
$-5,596
Cost of Living
90%

Journalist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level journalist earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,000
$-10,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $36,000
Median (50th) $50,364
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $99,000

Journalist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$51,483
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$48,126
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$47,006
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$45,887
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Journalist in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open journalist positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Journalist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median journalist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $50,364 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $99,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,364, a journalist in Rapid City earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for journalist pay? ▼
Rapid City's median journalist salary of $50,364 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $49,245. 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 journalist salary of $50,364 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Rapid City? ▼
Most journalist positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.