Engineering Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median mechanical engineer salary in Rapid City, SD is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$86,679
vs State Avg
+$1,926
vs National
$-9,631
Cost of Living
90%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679, which is $1,926 above the South Dakota state average of $84,753. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 mechanical engineers in Rapid City spans from $57,060 at the 10th percentile to $131,580 at the 90th percentile — a $74,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $57,060
25th Percentile $70,920
Median (50th) $86,679
75th Percentile $107,640
90th Percentile $131,580

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$88,605
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$82,827
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$80,900
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$78,974
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $57,060 (10th percentile) to $131,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,679, a mechanical engineer in Rapid City earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Rapid City's median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $84,753. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Rapid City? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.