Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota
The median machine learning engineer salary in Rapid City, SD is $113,050 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.4% above the South Dakota state average.
Machine Learning Engineer Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)
Rapid City offers a median machine learning engineer salary of $113,050, which is $2,660 above the South Dakota state average of $110,390. Compared to the national median of $133,000, 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 machine learning engineers in Rapid City spans from $69,700 at the 10th percentile to $174,250 at the 90th percentile — a $104,550 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior machine learning engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Rapid City by Experience
In Rapid City, an entry-level machine learning engineer earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,200 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 | $69,700 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,800 |
| Median (50th) | $113,050 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,250 |
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Rapid City
Education
Most machine learning engineer positions require a master's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Rapid City
Browse open machine learning engineer positions in Rapid City, SD: