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.
Journalist Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)
Rapid City offers a median journalist salary of $50,364, which is $1,119 above the South Dakota state average of $49,245. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 journalists in Rapid City spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $99,000 at the 90th percentile — a $70,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,000. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
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.
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
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
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: