Rapid City vs Spearfish: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $55,197 | $60,569▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.54 | $29.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,802 | $47,610▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,317 | $58,947▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,010 | $68,419▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,133▲ | $71,878 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rapid City and Spearfish are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $5,372 (9.73%). Spearfish's median is -11.02% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $34,331,Spearfish spans $24,268. 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, Spearfish ($65,268 effective) pays 5.43% more than Rapid City ($61,908 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,133)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,569/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,268)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Rapid City grew 29.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$40,480 (2019) → $52,220 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$42,710 (2024) → $57,303 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Rapid City or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Spearfish as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Rapid City vs Spearfish?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov