Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Rapid City, SD: $52,020 (2026)

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

Rapid City offers a median medical laboratory technician salary of $52,020, which is $1,156 above the South Dakota state average of $50,864. Compared to the national median of $57,800, 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 medical laboratory technicians in Rapid City spans from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $76,500 at the 90th percentile — a $42,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,000, while senior medical laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level medical laboratory technician earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,000

$-4,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,200

$-5,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,800

$-8,200 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$34,200	$33,440	$38,000
25th Percentile	$41,400	$40,480	$46,000
Median (50th)	$52,020	$50,864	$57,800
75th Percentile	$64,800	$63,360	$72,000
90th Percentile	$76,500	$74,800	$85,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$34,200

25th Percentile

$41,400

Median (50th)

$52,020

75th Percentile

$64,800

90th Percentile

$76,500

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician in Rapid City

Education

Most medical laboratory technician positions require a associate's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lab TechniquesHematologyMicrobiologyQuality ControlEquipment OperationData Entry

Job Outlook

Nationally, medical laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median medical laboratory technician salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $52,020 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $57,800. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $76,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $52,020, a medical laboratory technician in Rapid City earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for medical laboratory technician pay? ▼

Rapid City's median medical laboratory technician salary of $52,020 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $50,864. 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 medical laboratory technician salary of $52,020 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a medical laboratory technician in Rapid City? ▼

Most medical laboratory technician positions in Rapid City require a associate's degree. Key skills include Lab Techniques, Hematology, Microbiology, Quality Control. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota