Healthcare Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Veterinarian Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median veterinarian salary in Rapid City, SD is $92,934 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$92,934
vs State Avg
+$2,065
vs National
$-10,326
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rapid City offers a median veterinarian salary of $92,934, which is $2,065 above the South Dakota state average of $90,869. Compared to the national median of $103,260, 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 veterinarians in Rapid City spans from $58,680 at the 10th percentile to $156,780 at the 90th percentile — a $98,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,200, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,500. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Veterinarian Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $61,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,500
$-10,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,500
$-15,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $58,680
25th Percentile $72,360
Median (50th) $92,934
75th Percentile $120,960
90th Percentile $156,780

Veterinarian Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$94,999
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$88,804
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$86,738
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$84,673
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Veterinarian in Rapid City

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian 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.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open veterinarian positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Veterinarian make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $92,934 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $58,680 (10th percentile) to $156,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,934, a veterinarian in Rapid City earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Rapid City's median veterinarian salary of $92,934 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $90,869. 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 veterinarian salary of $92,934 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Rapid City? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Rapid City require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.