Pile Driver Operator Salary in Rapid City, SD: $65,565 (2026)

Pile Driver Operator Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median pile driver operator salary of $65,565, which is $1,457 above the South Dakota state average of $64,108. Compared to the national median of $72,850, 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 pile driver operators in Rapid City spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $100,800 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,500, while senior pile driver operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Pile Driver Operator Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level pile driver operator earns around $40,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$40,500

$-4,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$66,600

$-7,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$97,200

$-10,800 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$37,800	$36,960	$42,000
25th Percentile	$48,600	$47,520	$54,000
Median (50th)	$65,565	$64,108	$72,850
75th Percentile	$84,600	$82,720	$94,000
90th Percentile	$100,800	$98,560	$112,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$37,800

25th Percentile

$48,600

Median (50th)

$65,565

75th Percentile

$84,600

90th Percentile

$100,800

How to Become a Pile Driver Operator in Rapid City

Education

Most pile driver operator positions require a high school diploma. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pile Driving EquipmentConstructionEquipment MaintenanceSafetyCommunicationPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, pile driver operator 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pile Driver Operator Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median pile driver operator salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $65,565 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $72,850. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $100,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $65,565, a pile driver operator in Rapid City earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for pile driver operator pay? ▼

Rapid City's median pile driver operator salary of $65,565 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $64,108. 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 pile driver operator salary of $65,565 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a pile driver operator in Rapid City? ▼

Most pile driver operator positions in Rapid City require a high school diploma. Key skills include Pile Driving Equipment, Construction, Equipment Maintenance, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Pile Driver Operator Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota