Benchmark Salary Information

  • The number of Social Workers currently employed in Rapid City is 340.
  • Social Workers in Rapid City earn an average of $44,420 per year or $21.36 per hour.
  • The percentage of South Dakota Social Workers who work in Rapid City is less than 1%.
  • The percentage of U.S. Social Workers who work in Rapid City is less than 1%.

Rankings for Rapid City

  • Ranks #3 in South Dakota for salary and #2 when adjusted for cost-of-living.
  • Ranks #4 in South Dakota for the number of psychologists employed.
  • Ranks #373 in the nation for salary and #243 when adjusted for cost-of-living.
  • Ranks #196 in the nation for the number of psychologists employed.

Compared to South Dakota

Rapid City Social Workers earn an average of $44,420 or $21.36 per hour which is almost same as South Dakota average salary of $44,770.

AverageRapid CitySouth Dakota% Difference
Hourly Wage$21.36$21.53-0.79%
Annual Salary$44,420$44,770-0.78%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Commerce – 2022*

Compared to the U.S.

Rapid City Social Workers earn an average of $44,420 or $21.36 per hour which is 19% less than the U.S. average salary of $54,880.

AverageRapid CityU.S.%
Hourly Wage$21.36$26.39-19.06%
Annual Salary$44,420$54,880-19.06%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Commerce – 2022*

Salary Adjusted for Cost-of-Living

When adjusted for cost-of-living, Social Workers in Rapid City earns an average annual salary of $47,908 which compares to the South Dakota average annual salary of $44,770. per year.

Cost-of-living in Rapid City is 7% less than the South Dakota average, which means Rapid City residents have an overall less cost for food, housing, utilities and transportation compared to South Dakota average.

  • South Dakota average salary is $44,770.
  • South Dakota cost-of-living adjusted salary is $48,918.
  • Rapid City average salary is $44,420.
  • Rapid City cost-of-living adjusted salary is $47,908.
LocationAverage Annual WageCost of LivingAdjusted COL Wage
Rapid City$44,42092.72%$47,908
South Dakota$44,77091.52%$48,918
U.S.$54,880$54,880
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Commerce – 2022*

Salary Ranges for Education and Experience

In Rapid City, 50% of Social Workers earn between $38,180 and $48,970 a year, depending on factors such as level of education, experience, location and place of employment.

About 10% of Social Workers earn more than $60,070, which is a rate for highly skilled, experienced and educated Social Workers.

Approximately 10% of Social Workers earn under $36,410, a rate generally reserved for less experienced or entry level Social Workers.

PercentExperienceEmployedAnnual Salary
10%Less than a Year34Under $36,410
15%2 – 4 years51$36,410 – $38,180
25%5 – 9 years85$38,180 – $41,660
25%10 – 14 years85$41,660 – $48,970
15%15 – 20 years51$41,660 – $60,070
10%20+ years34Above $60,070
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Commerce – 2022*

Salary Compared to Related Professions

With an average annual salary of $44,420, Rapid City Social Workers tend to earn less than Health Care Social Workers ($50,010), and Substance Abuse Counselors ($46,470).

TitleAnnual Salary
Health Care Social Workers$50,010
Substance Abuse Counselors$46,470
Social Workers$44,420
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Commerce – 2022*

FAQ for Rapid City Social Workers

The number of Social Workers currently employed in Rapid City is 340.

Social Workers earn an average of $44,420 per year or $21.36 per hour in Rapid City.

When adjusted for Cost of Living in Rapid City Social Workers earn an average of $47,908 per year or $23 per hour.

The types of psychologists that are paid the highest annual salary in Rapid City are Health Care Social Workers($50,010), Substance Abuse Counselors($46,470), Social Workers($44,420).


Additional Salary Reports for Social Workers in South Dakota cities and Metros and U.S. States.

Official Data Sources for Social Workers: Salary Data | Projected Employment | Cost of Living Data