Pierre vs Rapid City: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Pierre, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,013 | $109,175▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.41 | $52.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,282 | $79,292▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,294 | $91,513▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,105▲ | $123,312 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,190▲ | $150,883 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $162 (0.15%). Rapid City's median is -12.68% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $89,908,Rapid City spans $71,591. Pierre 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 4.24% more than Pierre ($117,471 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,190)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,175/year)
- ✓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 Pierre grew 31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$80,212 (2024) → $105,174 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$95,930 (2021) → $105,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, 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