Public Relations Specialist Salary in Rapid City, SD: $60,696 (2026)

Public Relations Specialist Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median public relations specialist salary of $60,696, which is $1,349 above the South Dakota state average of $59,347. Compared to the national median of $67,440, 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 public relations specialists in Rapid City spans from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $108,000 at the 90th percentile — a $73,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,800

$-4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$63,000

$-7,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$100,800

$-11,200 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$34,200	$33,440	$38,000
25th Percentile	$45,000	$44,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$60,696	$59,347	$67,440
75th Percentile	$81,900	$80,080	$91,000
90th Percentile	$108,000	$105,600	$120,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$34,200

25th Percentile

$45,000

Median (50th)

$60,696

75th Percentile

$81,900

90th Percentile

$108,000

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Rapid City

Education

Most public relations specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, public relations specialist 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median public relations specialist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $60,696 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $108,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $60,696, a public relations specialist in Rapid City earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼

Rapid City's median public relations specialist salary of $60,696 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $59,347. 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 public relations specialist salary of $60,696 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in Rapid City? ▼

Most public relations specialist positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communications, Social Media. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota