Rapid City vs Sioux Falls: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Rapid City, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,444 | $134,888▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.75 | $64.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,802 | $107,816▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,409 | $113,464▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,002 | $142,347▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,568 | $164,827▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Sioux Falls is $6,444 (5.02%). Sioux Falls's median is -1.44% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $63,766,Sioux Falls spans $57,011. Rapid City 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, Sioux Falls ($148,832 effective) pays 3.31% more than Rapid City ($144,060 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,888/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,827)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,832)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Rapid City grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$99,840 (2019) → $124,160 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$102,070 (2019) → $130,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Rapid City or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Sioux Falls as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Rapid City vs Sioux Falls?
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