Healthcare Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Surgeon Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median surgeon salary in Rapid City, SD is $229,599 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$229,599
vs State Avg
+$5,102
vs National
$-25,511
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rapid City offers a median surgeon salary of $229,599, which is $5,102 above the South Dakota state average of $224,497. Compared to the national median of $255,110, 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 surgeons in Rapid City spans from $108,000 at the 10th percentile to $378,000 at the 90th percentile — a $270,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $117,000, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $360,000. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Surgeon Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level surgeon earns around $117,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $360,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$117,000
$-13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$234,000
$-26,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$360,000
$-40,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $108,000
25th Percentile $157,500
Median (50th) $229,599
75th Percentile $315,000
90th Percentile $378,000

Surgeon Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Surgeon in Rapid City

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surgeon Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open surgeon positions in Rapid City, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Surgeon make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $229,599 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $108,000 (10th percentile) to $378,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $229,599, a surgeon in Rapid City earns approximately $110 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Rapid City's median surgeon salary of $229,599 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $224,497. 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 surgeon salary of $229,599 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Rapid City? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Rapid City require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Surgery, Anatomy, Patient Care, Decision Making. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.