Trades & Labor Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median sheet metal worker salary in Rapid City, SD is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$49,815
vs State Avg
+$1,107
vs National
$-5,535
Cost of Living
90%

Sheet Metal Worker Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median sheet metal worker salary of $49,815, which is $1,107 above the South Dakota state average of $48,708. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 sheet metal workers in Rapid City spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $77,400 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,400, while senior sheet metal workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level sheet metal worker earns around $32,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $37,800
Median (50th) $49,815
75th Percentile $63,000
90th Percentile $77,400

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Rapid City

Education

Most sheet metal worker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Sheet Metal FabricationHVAC DuctworkWeldingBlueprint ReadingMeasurementSafety

Job Outlook

Nationally, sheet metal worker employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sheet Metal Worker Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open sheet metal worker positions in Rapid City, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median sheet metal worker salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $77,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,815, a sheet metal worker in Rapid City earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for sheet metal worker pay? ▼
Rapid City's median sheet metal worker salary of $49,815 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $48,708. 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 sheet metal worker salary of $49,815 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sheet metal worker in Rapid City? ▼
Most sheet metal worker positions in Rapid City require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Sheet Metal Fabrication, HVAC Ductwork, Welding, Blueprint Reading. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.