Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Rapid City, SD: $95,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Rapid City, SD earns a median $95,144/year (≈ $45.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Rapid City's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $102,526 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a local workforce of only 16 ultrasound technologists, the ultrasound technologist salary in Rapid City, South Dakota, is relatively competitive, with a 2026 median annual salary projected at $95,144. This compensation figure is slightly below the national median of $101,352 and reflects the overall regional economic conditions based on BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. The salary range for these professionals in the area spans from $66,665 at the 10th percentile to $128,081 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay scale driven by experience and specialization. This pay structure suggests potential opportunities for those entering the field, as competition remains manageable due to the limited number of local professionals.
About the Rapid City Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,665 | $32.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,409 | $37.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,144 | $45.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,138 | $51.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,081 | $61.57 |
Median Salary Position
6.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rapid City
In Rapid City, SD, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,416 (2026 est.). At $95,144, the local median is 6.13% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rapid City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rapid City Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Rapid City median: $95,144/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rapid City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $94,016 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -6.13% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Rapid City, SD earn a median of $95,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.13% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.20% above the South Dakota state average of $94,016.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rapid City has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rapid City, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $95,144 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,526 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,970
2025 BLS Actual
$90,674
2026 Current Est.
$95,144
2019–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Rapid City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,674 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rapid City metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 27.8% from $70,970 (2019) to $90,674 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,865 (40.67%) from 2019.
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 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,665 – $78,409 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,409 – $95,144 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,144 – $106,138 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,138 – $128,081 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Rapid City
The local job market for ultrasound technologists in Rapid City reveals a unique blend of opportunities and cost-of-living considerations. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, which is below the national average, residents may find their purchasing power enhanced compared to markets where living expenses are higher. Employers that pay the most typically include larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which may offer additional benefits and opportunities for shift differentials. Variations in pay can be influenced by factors such as specialty credentials and experience in high-demand areas. To maximize potential earnings, ultrasound technologists in Rapid City SD should consider seeking employment with larger healthcare systems, pursuing additional certifications, and being open to various shift options that may offer higher pay rates.
More salary data for Rapid City, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $90,674 for ultrasound technologistsin the Rapid City metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rapid City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov