Security Guard Salary in Rapid City, SD: $31,275 (2026)

Security Guard Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median security guard salary of $31,275, which is $695 above the South Dakota state average of $30,580. Compared to the national median of $34,750, 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 security guards in Rapid City spans from $22,500 at the 10th percentile to $46,800 at the 90th percentile — a $24,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,400, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,000. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$23,400

$-2,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$32,400

$-3,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$45,000

$-5,000 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$22,500	$22,000	$25,000
25th Percentile	$26,100	$25,520	$29,000
Median (50th)	$31,275	$30,580	$34,750
75th Percentile	$37,800	$36,960	$42,000
90th Percentile	$46,800	$45,760	$52,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$22,500

25th Percentile

$26,100

Median (50th)

$31,275

75th Percentile

$37,800

90th Percentile

$46,800

How to Become a Security Guard in Rapid City

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Security Guard make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median security guard salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,500 (10th percentile) to $46,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $31,275, a security guard in Rapid City earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for security guard pay? ▼

Rapid City's median security guard salary of $31,275 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $30,580. 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 security guard salary of $31,275 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Rapid City? ▼

Most security guard positions in Rapid City require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Security Guard Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota