Pierre vs Rapid City: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Pierre, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,478▲ | $67,628 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.92▲ | $32.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,706 | $51,509▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,688 | $59,053▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,343▲ | $73,812 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,887▲ | $81,696 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Pierre, SD offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $850 (1.26%). Pierre's median is -12.81% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $56,181,Rapid City spans $30,187. Pierre 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 2.79% more than Pierre ($73,791 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,478/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,887)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓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 Pierre grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.8% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$47,953 (2024) → $66,445 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$48,330 (2019) → $65,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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