Engineering Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median nuclear engineer salary in Rapid City, SD is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$108,342
vs State Avg
+$2,408
vs National
$-12,038
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rapid City offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $108,342, which is $2,408 above the South Dakota state average of $105,934. Compared to the national median of $120,380, 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 nuclear engineers in Rapid City spans from $68,400 at the 10th percentile to $160,200 at the 90th percentile — a $91,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,800
$-12,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,800
$-17,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $68,400
25th Percentile $86,400
Median (50th) $108,342
75th Percentile $133,200
90th Percentile $160,200

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$110,750
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$103,527
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$101,119
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$98,712
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $68,400 (10th percentile) to $160,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,342, a nuclear engineer in Rapid City earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Rapid City's median nuclear engineer salary of $108,342 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $105,934. 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 nuclear engineer salary of $108,342 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Rapid City? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Nuclear Physics, Reactor Design, Safety Analysis, Radiation Protection. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.