Huron vs Rapid City: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Huron, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huron, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,218 | $67,628▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.32 | $32.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,535 | $51,509▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,114 | $59,053▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,741▲ | $73,812 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,742▲ | $81,696 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huron.
The salary gap between Huron and Rapid City is $410 (0.61%). Rapid City's median is -13.90% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huron spans $49,207,Rapid City spans $30,187. Huron 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 ($75,850 effective) pays 4.72% more than Huron ($72,433 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huron if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,742)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,628/year)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,850)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Huron grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.8% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Huron, SD
$47,070 (2024) → $65,222 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$48,330 (2019) → $65,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Huron or Rapid City?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov