Wind Turbine Technician Salary in Rapid City, SD: $51,588 (2026)

Wind Turbine Technician Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median wind turbine technician salary of $51,588, which is $1,146 above the South Dakota state average of $50,442. Compared to the national median of $57,320, 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 wind turbine technicians in Rapid City spans from $36,000 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $37,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior wind turbine technicians 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.

Wind Turbine Technician Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level wind turbine technician earns around $37,800, 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)

$37,800

$-4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,200

$-5,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$70,200

$-7,800 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$36,000	$35,200	$40,000
25th Percentile	$43,200	$42,240	$48,000
Median (50th)	$51,588	$50,442	$57,320
75th Percentile	$63,000	$61,600	$70,000
90th Percentile	$73,800	$72,160	$82,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$36,000

25th Percentile

$43,200

Median (50th)

$51,588

75th Percentile

$63,000

90th Percentile

$73,800

How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in Rapid City

Education

Most wind turbine technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wind Turbine SystemsElectricalHydraulicsClimbing/SafetyTroubleshootingPreventive Maintenance

Job Outlook

Nationally, wind turbine technician employment is projected to grow 45% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wind Turbine Technician Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Wind Turbine Technician make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median wind turbine technician salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $51,588 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $57,320. Salaries range from $36,000 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Wind Turbine Technician make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,588, a wind turbine technician in Rapid City earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for wind turbine technician pay? ▼

Rapid City's median wind turbine technician salary of $51,588 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $50,442. 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 wind turbine technician salary of $51,588 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a wind turbine technician in Rapid City? ▼

Most wind turbine technician positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Wind Turbine Systems, Electrical, Hydraulics, Climbing/Safety. The job market is projected to grow 45% nationally over the next decade.

Wind Turbine Technician Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota