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Journalist Salary in Rapid City, SD

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

Median Salary
$47,723
per year in Rapid City
Entry Level
$27,679
Starting salary
Senior Level
$71,584
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
104
4% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$27,679$47,723$71,584
Monthly$2,307$3,977$5,965
Biweekly$1,065$1,836$2,753
Weekly$532$918$1,377
Hourly$13$23$34

Rapid City vs National Average

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

Rapid City Salary
$47,723
COL Index: 104
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$8,237
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 Journalist

Overview

Research and write news stories for publications.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field

Key Skills

WritingResearchInterviewingCritical Thinking

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Journalist Salary

See Journalist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$104,270
+118%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+88%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+28%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+26%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
+3%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Rapid City.

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Rapid City, SD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Rapid City, SD is $47,723 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 journalist professionals in Rapid City can expect to earn around $27,679 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $71,584 per year. This represents a 159% 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 $55,960, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a journalist's salary in Rapid City typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 35.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Journalists 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.