Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Rapid City, SD: $55,638 (2026)

Real Estate Appraiser Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median real estate appraiser salary of $55,638, which is $1,236 above the South Dakota state average of $54,402. Compared to the national median of $61,820, 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 real estate appraisers in Rapid City spans from $32,400 at the 10th percentile to $91,800 at the 90th percentile — a $59,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior real estate appraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,400. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level real estate appraiser earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,200

$-3,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,700

$-6,300 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$86,400

$-9,600 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$32,400	$31,680	$36,000
25th Percentile	$41,400	$40,480	$46,000
Median (50th)	$55,638	$54,402	$61,820
75th Percentile	$72,000	$70,400	$80,000
90th Percentile	$91,800	$89,760	$102,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$32,400

25th Percentile

$41,400

Median (50th)

$55,638

75th Percentile

$72,000

90th Percentile

$91,800

How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Rapid City

Education

Most real estate appraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Property ValuationMarket AnalysisReport WritingUSPAP StandardsMLS SystemsAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, real estate appraiser employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median real estate appraiser salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $55,638 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $61,820. Salaries range from $32,400 (10th percentile) to $91,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,638, a real estate appraiser in Rapid City earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for real estate appraiser pay? ▼

Rapid City's median real estate appraiser salary of $55,638 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $54,402. 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 real estate appraiser salary of $55,638 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a real estate appraiser in Rapid City? ▼

Most real estate appraiser positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Property Valuation, Market Analysis, Report Writing, USPAP Standards. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota