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 Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median park ranger salary of $38,250, which is $850 above the South Dakota state average of $37,400. Compared to the national median of $42,500, 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 park rangers in Rapid City spans from $25,200 at the 10th percentile to $64,800 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,000, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

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

Sioux Falls, SD
$39,100
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$36,550
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$35,700
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$34,850
Pop. 15,660

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.

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open park ranger positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Park Ranger make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $38,250 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $64,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,250, a park ranger in Rapid City earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Rapid City's median park ranger salary of $38,250 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $37,400. 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 park ranger salary of $38,250 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Rapid City? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Conservation, Law Enforcement, Public Education, Wildlife Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.