Hospitality & Tourism Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Sommelier Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median sommelier salary in Rapid City, SD is $55,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$55,800
vs State Avg
+$1,240
vs National
$-6,200
Cost of Living
90%

Sommelier Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median sommelier salary of $55,800, which is $1,240 above the South Dakota state average of $54,560. Compared to the national median of $62,000, 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 sommeliers in Rapid City spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $112,500 at the 90th percentile — a $83,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Sommelier Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level sommelier earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,200
$-11,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $39,600
Median (50th) $55,800
75th Percentile $82,800
90th Percentile $112,500

Sommelier Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$57,040
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$53,320
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$52,080
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$50,840
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Sommelier in Rapid City

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, sommelier employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sommelier Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open sommelier positions in Rapid City, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Sommelier make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $55,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $112,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,800, a sommelier in Rapid City earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Rapid City's median sommelier salary of $55,800 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $54,560. 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 sommelier salary of $55,800 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Rapid City? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Wine Knowledge, Tasting, Food Pairing, Inventory Management. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.