Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Rapid City, SD: $52.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Rapid City, SD runs $52.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,175 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Rapid City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.2, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,505 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rapid City, South Dakota, the electrical engineer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $52.49 in 2026, markedly lower than the national median of $60.11. This rate significantly impacts those seeking part-time work, like a 3-day work schedule which equates to about 72 hours monthly, allowing for a decent income while catering to work-life balance. Per-diem roles often occur in environments such as semiconductor fabrication clean rooms or defense sector facilities, where engineers are tasked with complex projects and precision work. The hourly range can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $38.12 and top earners reaching around $72.54, highlighting the diversified pay scale based on experience, skills, and industry demand.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.12 | $304.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.00 | $352.00 |
| Median (P50) | $52.49 | $419.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.29 | $474.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.54 | $580.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rapid City
Based on $52.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.49/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rapid City, SD can expect to earn approximately $109,176 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,986. With a cost-of-living index of 89.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rapid City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rapid City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,099.53 | $9,098 | $109,176 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,259.72 | $5,459 | $65,505 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $839.81 | $3,639 | $43,670 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Rapid City) | $52.49 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Rapid City, SD earn a median of $109,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.68% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 5.90% below the South Dakota state average of $116,020.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.49/hr = $65,505/year (purchasing power: $73,470).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,176/year (purchasing power: $122,449).
CoL index: 89.16 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Rapid City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Rapid City grew 22.4% from $41.36/hr (2019) to $50.64/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.40/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Rapid City
Exploring the potential for part-time earnings in this profession, a 24-hour work week for an electrical engineer in Rapid City would yield an annual income significantly lower than that of a full-time colleague, yet it still offers considerable financial stability. For those in per-diem roles, the focus shifts to much higher rates; on average, electrical engineers contracted on a 1099 basis can bill between $90 and $170 per hour. Even more lucrative are specialty roles, where security-cleared professionals earn upwards of $150 per hour, while consultants in chip design or expert witnesses can command rates exceeding $300 per hour based on their expertise. Employers in varied sectors such as semiconductor firms and defense contractors offer distinct pay scales; while tech companies may provide higher compensation, traditional industries like utilities offer stability and benefits. This trade-off influences many electrical engineers as they weigh the benefits of steady pay and health insurance against the allure of higher hourly wages without benefits. As you explore opportunities, it’s beneficial to negotiate confidently, leveraging your qualifications and the demand for skilled engineers in Rapid City’s evolving job market.
More salary data for Rapid City, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Rapid City in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Rapid City?
Are electrical engineers in Rapid City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Rapid City?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Rapid City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Rapid City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov