Tax Preparer Salary in Rapid City, SD: $41,661 (2026)

Tax Preparer Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median tax preparer salary of $41,661, which is $926 above the South Dakota state average of $40,735. Compared to the national median of $46,290, 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 tax preparers in Rapid City spans from $22,500 at the 10th percentile to $79,200 at the 90th percentile — a $56,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Tax Preparer Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$25,200

$-2,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$43,200

$-4,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,800

$-8,200 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$22,500	$22,000	$25,000
25th Percentile	$28,800	$28,160	$32,000
Median (50th)	$41,661	$40,735	$46,290
75th Percentile	$58,500	$57,200	$65,000
90th Percentile	$79,200	$77,440	$88,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$22,500

25th Percentile

$28,800

Median (50th)

$41,661

75th Percentile

$58,500

90th Percentile

$79,200

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median tax preparer salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $41,661 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $22,500 (10th percentile) to $79,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $41,661, a tax preparer in Rapid City earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for tax preparer pay? ▼

Rapid City's median tax preparer salary of $41,661 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $40,735. 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 tax preparer salary of $41,661 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Rapid City? ▼

Most tax preparer positions in Rapid City require a high school diploma. Key skills include Tax Law, Tax Software, Financial Records, Attention to Detail. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.

Tax Preparer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota