Science & Research Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Physicist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median physicist salary in Rapid City, SD is $137,187 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$137,187
vs State Avg
+$3,049
vs National
$-15,243
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rapid City offers a median physicist salary of $137,187, which is $3,049 above the South Dakota state average of $134,138. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Rapid City spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $214,200 at the 90th percentile — a $144,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,800, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $198,000. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level physicist earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,000 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)
$139,500
$-15,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$198,000
$-22,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $97,200
Median (50th) $137,187
75th Percentile $175,500
90th Percentile $214,200

Physicist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$140,236
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$131,090
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$128,041
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$124,993
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Physicist in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open physicist positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Physicist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median physicist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $137,187 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $214,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,187, a physicist in Rapid City earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for physicist pay? ▼
Rapid City's median physicist salary of $137,187 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $134,138. 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 physicist salary of $137,187 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Rapid City? ▼
Most physicist positions in Rapid City require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.