Trades & Labor Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Plumber Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median plumber salary in Rapid City, SD is $53,892 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$53,892
vs State Avg
+$1,198
vs National
$-5,988
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rapid City offers a median plumber salary of $53,892, which is $1,198 above the South Dakota state average of $52,694. Compared to the national median of $59,880, 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 plumbers in Rapid City spans from $32,760 at the 10th percentile to $89,280 at the 90th percentile — a $56,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,600, while senior plumbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Plumber Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level plumber earns around $30,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,600
$-3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,800
$-9,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $32,760
25th Percentile $41,220
Median (50th) $53,892
75th Percentile $70,380
90th Percentile $89,280

Plumber Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Plumber in Rapid City

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Plumber Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open plumber positions in Rapid City, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Plumber make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median plumber salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $53,892 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $32,760 (10th percentile) to $89,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,892, a plumber in Rapid City earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for plumber pay? ▼
Rapid City's median plumber salary of $53,892 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $52,694. 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 plumber salary of $53,892 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a plumber in Rapid City? ▼
Most plumber positions in Rapid City require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Pipe Fitting, Blueprint Reading, Plumbing Code, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.