Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Rapid City, SD: $80,361 (2026)

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $80,361, which is $1,786 above the South Dakota state average of $78,575. Compared to the national median of $89,290, 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 speech-language pathologists in Rapid City spans from $54,180 at the 10th percentile to $115,200 at the 90th percentile — a $61,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,800, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $55,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,800

$-6,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$81,000

$-9,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$108,000

$-12,000 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$54,180	$52,976	$60,200
25th Percentile	$65,700	$64,240	$73,000
Median (50th)	$80,361	$78,575	$89,290
75th Percentile	$97,200	$95,040	$108,000
90th Percentile	$115,200	$112,640	$128,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$54,180

25th Percentile

$65,700

Median (50th)

$80,361

75th Percentile

$97,200

90th Percentile

$115,200

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Rapid City

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $80,361 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $54,180 (10th percentile) to $115,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $80,361, a speech-language pathologist in Rapid City earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼

Rapid City's median speech-language pathologist salary of $80,361 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $78,575. 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 speech-language pathologist salary of $80,361 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Rapid City? ▼

Most speech-language pathologist positions in Rapid City require a master's degree. Key skills include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Therapy, AAC Devices. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota