Creative & Education Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Social Worker Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median social 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%

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

Rapid City offers a median social 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 social workers in Rapid City spans from $32,760 at the 10th percentile to $79,020 at the 90th percentile — a $46,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior social 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.

Social Worker Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level social worker earns around $34,200, 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)
$34,200
$-3,800 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 $32,760
25th Percentile $39,780
Median (50th) $49,815
75th Percentile $63,360
90th Percentile $79,020

Social Worker Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$50,922
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$47,601
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$46,494
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$45,387
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Social Worker in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open social worker positions in Rapid City, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Social Worker make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median social 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 $32,760 (10th percentile) to $79,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,815, a social 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 social worker pay? ▼
Rapid City's median social 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 social 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 social worker in Rapid City? ▼
Most social worker positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.