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

Solar Installer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median solar installer salary in Rapid City, SD is $42,903 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$42,903
vs State Avg
+$953
vs National
$-4,767
Cost of Living
90%

Solar Installer Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median solar installer salary of $42,903, which is $953 above the South Dakota state average of $41,950. Compared to the national median of $47,670, 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 solar installers in Rapid City spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $64,800 at the 90th percentile — a $36,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,600, while senior solar installers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Solar Installer Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level solar installer earns around $30,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,600
$-3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,100
$-4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $34,200
Median (50th) $42,903
75th Percentile $54,000
90th Percentile $64,800

Solar Installer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$43,856
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$40,996
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$40,043
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$39,089
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Solar Installer in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Solar PV SystemsElectricalRoofingSafetyBlueprint ReadingNEC Code

Job Outlook

Nationally, solar installer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Solar Installer Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open solar installer positions in Rapid City, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Installer Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Solar Installer make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median solar installer salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $42,903 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $47,670. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $64,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Solar Installer make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,903, a solar installer in Rapid City earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for solar installer pay? ▼
Rapid City's median solar installer salary of $42,903 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $41,950. 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 solar installer salary of $42,903 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a solar installer in Rapid City? ▼
Most solar installer positions in Rapid City require a high school diploma. Key skills include Solar PV Systems, Electrical, Roofing, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.