Construction & Real Estate Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Urban Planner Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median urban planner salary in Rapid City, SD is $71,586 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$71,586
vs State Avg
+$1,591
vs National
$-7,954
Cost of Living
90%

Urban Planner Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median urban planner salary of $71,586, which is $1,591 above the South Dakota state average of $69,995. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 urban planners in Rapid City spans from $45,000 at the 10th percentile to $109,800 at the 90th percentile — a $64,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior urban planners 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.

Urban Planner Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level urban planner earns around $46,800, 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)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,900
$-8,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,200
$-11,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $45,000
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $71,586
75th Percentile $90,000
90th Percentile $109,800

Urban Planner Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$73,177
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$68,404
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$66,814
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$65,223
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Urban Planner in Rapid City

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open urban planner positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Urban Planner make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $71,586 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $45,000 (10th percentile) to $109,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,586, a urban planner in Rapid City earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Rapid City's median urban planner salary of $71,586 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $69,995. 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 urban planner salary of $71,586 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Rapid City? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Rapid City require a master's degree. Key skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Law, Community Engagement. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.