School Counselor Salary in Rapid City, SD: $54,126 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median school counselor salary of $54,126, which is $1,203 above the South Dakota state average of $52,923. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 school counselors in Rapid City spans from $34,380 at the 10th percentile to $85,320 at the 90th percentile — a $50,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,000

$-4,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,000

$-6,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$76,500

$-8,500 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$34,380	$33,616	$38,200
25th Percentile	$42,300	$41,360	$47,000
Median (50th)	$54,126	$52,923	$60,140
75th Percentile	$68,580	$67,056	$76,200
90th Percentile	$85,320	$83,424	$94,800

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$34,380

25th Percentile

$42,300

Median (50th)

$54,126

75th Percentile

$68,580

90th Percentile

$85,320

How to Become a School Counselor in Rapid City

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor 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: School Counselor Salary in Rapid City

How much does a School Counselor make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $54,126 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $34,380 (10th percentile) to $85,320 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,126, a school counselor 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 school counselor pay? ▼

Rapid City's median school counselor salary of $54,126 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $52,923. 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 school counselor salary of $54,126 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Rapid City? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Rapid City require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota