Data Analyst Salary in Rapid City, SD: $48,300 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Rapid City, SD earns a median $48,300/year (≈ $23.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Rapid City's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $52,047 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the data analyst salary in Rapid City, South Dakota, is projected at a median of $48,300, which is significantly below the national median of $80,394. With a salary range from $28,014 at the 10th percentile to $74,865 at the 90th, local compensation reflects the cost sensitivity of the market. The region is characterized by traditional industries rather than large tech hubs or startup ecosystems that typically offer equity-heavy compensation packages. Those seeking roles in more prominent tech firms or AI startups can expect robust total compensation, including RSUs, which are often less prevalent in Rapid City's market. As companies continue to evolve in the data analytics space, the salary dynamics in Rapid City may shift, but they currently emphasize stability over high-risk, high-reward opportunities found elsewhere.
About the Rapid City Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,014 | $13.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,776 | $16.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,300 | $23.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,824 | $29.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,865 | $35.99 |
Median Salary Position
39.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rapid City
In Rapid City, SD, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,851 (2026 est.). At $48,300, the local median is 39.92% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rapid City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rapid City Data Analyst Pay Compares
Rapid City median: $48,300/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rapid City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $47,727 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $80,394 | -39.92% less |
Data Analysts in Rapid City, SD earn a median of $48,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.92% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 1.20% above the South Dakota state average of $47,727.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rapid City has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rapid City, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $48,300 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,047 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$38,800
2025 BLS Actual
$46,229
2026 Current Est.
$48,300
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Rapid City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,534 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,794 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,229 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,300 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,464 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rapid City metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $38,800 (2021) to $46,229 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,464 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,664 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rapid City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $28,014 – $34,776 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,776 – $48,300 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,300 – $61,824 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,824 – $74,865 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Rapid City
Given that there are currently only 16 data analysts employed in Rapid City, the job market remains relatively small yet focused. The area's cost of living index stands at 92.8, below the national average, which enhances the purchasing power for residents. In terms of compensation, regional employers such as tier-one tech companies or healthcare AI firms generally pay better compared to traditional businesses or smaller tech outfits. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include the level within a company (such as FAANG versus mid-tier firms), the expertise required for specialized roles, and the prevalence of equity in total compensation packages. For candidates aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing positions in high-demand areas like machine learning engineering or seeking roles at larger companies that offer comprehensive benefits may provide better financial outcomes compared to entry-level analytics positions. Exploring options for professional development and networking within such specialized fields can further enhance salary prospects in this market.
More salary data for Rapid City, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,229 for data analystsin the Rapid City metropolitan area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rapid City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov