Healthcare Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Optometrist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median optometrist salary in Rapid City, SD is $113,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$113,031
vs State Avg
+$2,512
vs National
$-12,559
Cost of Living
90%

Optometrist Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median optometrist salary of $113,031, which is $2,512 above the South Dakota state average of $110,519. Compared to the national median of $125,590, 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 optometrists in Rapid City spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $172,800 at the 90th percentile — a $102,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,800, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $160,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level optometrist earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,200
$-17,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $90,000
Median (50th) $113,031
75th Percentile $142,200
90th Percentile $172,800

Optometrist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$115,543
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$108,007
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$105,496
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$102,984
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Optometrist in Rapid City

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open optometrist positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Optometrist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $113,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $172,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,031, a optometrist in Rapid City earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Rapid City's median optometrist salary of $113,031 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $110,519. 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 optometrist salary of $113,031 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Rapid City? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Rapid City require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.