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Dentist Salary in Rapid City, SD

How much does a dentist make in Rapid City? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Rapid City's cost of living.

Median Salary
$145,906
per year in Rapid City
Entry Level
$84,518
Starting salary
Senior Level
$209,072
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
104
4% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how dentist salaries break down across different pay periods in Rapid City.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$84,518$145,906$209,072
Monthly$7,043$12,159$17,423
Biweekly$3,251$5,612$8,041
Weekly$1,625$2,806$4,021
Hourly$41$70$101

Rapid City vs National Average

How Rapid City's dentist salaries compare to national figures.

Rapid City Salary
$145,906
COL Index: 104
National Average
$171,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$25,184
Lower in Rapid City

Cost of Living in Rapid City

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
77,313
residents
Rent % of Income
30.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 104 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Rapid City have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Dentist

Overview

Diagnose and treat teeth and gum diseases and perform dental procedures.

Education

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresPatient CareClinical SkillsSterilization Protocols

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Dentist Salary

See Dentist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$159,990
+10%
Los Angeles, CA
$176,200
+21%
Chicago, IL
$175,140
+20%
Houston, TX
$170,170
+17%
Phoenix, AZ
$211,260
+45%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a dentist salary in Rapid City.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Dentist Salary in Rapid City, SD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a dentist in Rapid City, SD is $145,906 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 104. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Rapid City's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level dentist professionals in Rapid City can expect to earn around $84,518 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level dentists earning approximately $209,072 per year. This represents a 147% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Rapid City's cost of living index of 104 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Rapid City are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $171,090, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a dentist's salary in Rapid City typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 11.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Dentists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Rapid City, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.