Agriculture & Environment Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Park Ranger Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median park ranger salary in Rapid City, SD is $38,250 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$38,250
vs State Avg
+$850
vs National
$-4,250
Cost of Living
90%

Park Ranger Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level park ranger earns around $27,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,000
$-3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $25,200
25th Percentile $30,600
Median (50th) $38,250
75th Percentile $52,200
90th Percentile $64,800

Park Ranger Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.