Physician Assistant Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota
The median physician assistant salary in Rapid City, SD is $113,409 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.
Physician Assistant Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)
Rapid City offers a median physician assistant salary of $113,409, which is $2,520 above the South Dakota state average of $110,889. Compared to the national median of $126,010, 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 physician assistants in Rapid City spans from $75,600 at the 10th percentile to $156,600 at the 90th percentile — a $81,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,200, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physician Assistant Salary in Rapid City by Experience
In Rapid City, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $79,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD
| Percentile | Rapid City |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $75,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,400 |
| Median (50th) | $113,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,600 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Physician Assistant in Rapid City
Education
Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Rapid City
Browse open physician assistant positions in Rapid City, SD: