Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Rapid City, SD: $44,739 (2026)

Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739, which is $994 above the South Dakota state average of $43,745. Compared to the national median of $49,710, 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 substance abuse counselors in Rapid City spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,700, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$29,700

$-3,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$45,900

$-5,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$70,200

$-7,800 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$27,000	$26,400	$30,000
25th Percentile	$34,200	$33,440	$38,000
Median (50th)	$44,739	$43,745	$49,710
75th Percentile	$58,500	$57,200	$65,000
90th Percentile	$73,800	$72,160	$82,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$27,000

25th Percentile

$34,200

Median (50th)

$44,739

75th Percentile

$58,500

90th Percentile

$73,800

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Addiction CounselingCBT/MIGroup TherapyCrisis InterventionDocumentationEmpathy

Job Outlook

Nationally, substance abuse counselor 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $44,739, a substance abuse counselor in Rapid City earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼

Rapid City's median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $43,745. 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 substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Rapid City? ▼

Most substance abuse counselor positions in Rapid City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Addiction Counseling, CBT/MI, Group Therapy, Crisis Intervention. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota