Rapid City vs Spearfish: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Rapid City, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,300▲ | $45,782 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.23▲ | $22.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,014▲ | $26,554 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,776 | $34,937▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,824▲ | $57,969 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,865▲ | $69,848 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $2,518 (5.50%). Rapid City's median is -39.92% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $46,851,Spearfish spans $43,294. 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, Rapid City ($52,047 effective) pays 5.50% more than Spearfish ($49,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,300/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,865)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,047)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Rapid City grew -42.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -42.1% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$79,794 (2024) → $46,229 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$75,633 (2024) → $43,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov