Public Service Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Rapid City, SD is $70,866 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$70,866
vs State Avg
+$1,575
vs National
$-7,874
Cost of Living
90%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $70,866, which is $1,575 above the South Dakota state average of $69,291. Compared to the national median of $78,740, 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 occupational health & safety specialists in Rapid City spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $109,800 at the 90th percentile — a $66,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior occupational health & safety specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,200
$-11,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $55,800
Median (50th) $70,866
75th Percentile $90,000
90th Percentile $109,800

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in Rapid City

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

OSHA RegulationsHazard AssessmentSafety TrainingIndustrial HygieneReport WritingRisk Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Jobs in Rapid City

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $70,866 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $109,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,866, a occupational health & safety specialist in Rapid City earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for occupational health & safety specialist pay? ▼
Rapid City's median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $70,866 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $69,291. 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 occupational health & safety specialist salary of $70,866 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational health & safety specialist in Rapid City? ▼
Most occupational health & safety specialist positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include OSHA Regulations, Hazard Assessment, Safety Training, Industrial Hygiene. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.