Pierre vs Rapid City: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $119,328 | $128,444▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.37 | $61.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,517 | $94,802▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,796▲ | $109,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,323▲ | $135,002 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,759 | $158,568▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $9,116 (7.64%). Rapid City's median is -6.15% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $58,242,Rapid City spans $63,766. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($144,060 effective) pays 12.03% more than Pierre ($128,586 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,444/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,568)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,060)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Pierre grew 8.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$106,368 (2024) → $115,348 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$99,840 (2019) → $124,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Pierre or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Rapid City as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Pierre vs Rapid City?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov