Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rapid City, SD: $63,486 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486, which is $1,411 above the South Dakota state average of $62,075. Compared to the national median of $70,540, 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 respiratory therapists in Rapid City spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $89,100 at the 90th percentile — a $45,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,000

$-5,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$64,800

$-7,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,500

$-9,500 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$43,200	$42,240	$48,000
25th Percentile	$51,300	$50,160	$57,000
Median (50th)	$63,486	$62,075	$70,540
75th Percentile	$77,400	$75,680	$86,000
90th Percentile	$89,100	$87,120	$99,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$43,200

25th Percentile

$51,300

Median (50th)

$63,486

75th Percentile

$77,400

90th Percentile

$89,100

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Rapid City

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $63,486 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $89,100 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $63,486, a respiratory therapist in Rapid City earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Rapid City's median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $62,075. 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 respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Rapid City? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Rapid City require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota