Healthcare Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Psychologist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median psychologist salary in Rapid City, SD is $76,797 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$76,797
vs State Avg
+$1,707
vs National
$-8,533
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rapid City offers a median psychologist salary of $76,797, which is $1,707 above the South Dakota state average of $75,090. Compared to the national median of $85,330, 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 psychologists in Rapid City spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $139,500 at the 90th percentile — a $96,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Psychologist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level psychologist earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,500
$-14,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $57,600
Median (50th) $76,797
75th Percentile $103,500
90th Percentile $139,500

Psychologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$78,504
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$73,384
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$71,677
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$69,971
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Psychologist in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychologist Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open psychologist positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Psychologist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $76,797 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $139,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,797, a psychologist in Rapid City earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for psychologist pay? ▼
Rapid City's median psychologist salary of $76,797 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $75,090. 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 psychologist salary of $76,797 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Rapid City? ▼
Most psychologist positions in Rapid City require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.