Mitchell vs Rapid City: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Mitchell, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mitchell, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,453▲ | $109,175 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.10▲ | $52.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,678 | $79,292▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,443 | $91,513▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,517▲ | $123,312 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,438▲ | $150,883 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Mitchell, SD offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Mitchell and Rapid City is $1,278 (1.17%). Mitchell's median is -11.66% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mitchell spans $84,760,Rapid City spans $71,591. Mitchell has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($122,448 effective) pays 2.88% more than Mitchell ($119,023 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mitchell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,453/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,438)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,448)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Mitchell grew 31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Mitchell, SD
$81,271 (2024) → $106,563 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$95,930 (2021) → $105,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mitchell, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov