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Urban Planner Salary in Rapid City, SD

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

Median Salary
$69,623
per year in Rapid City
Entry Level
$42,452
Starting salary
Senior Level
$97,641
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
104
4% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$42,452$69,623$97,641
Monthly$3,538$5,802$8,137
Biweekly$1,633$2,678$3,755
Weekly$816$1,339$1,878
Hourly$20$33$47

Rapid City vs National Average

How Rapid City's urban planner salaries compare to national figures.

Rapid City Salary
$69,623
COL Index: 104
National Average
$81,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$12,017
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 Urban Planner

Overview

Develop plans for urban development and community growth.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field

Key Skills

Urban DesignPlanningZoningCommunity Engagement

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Urban Planner Salary

See Urban Planner salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$98,290
+41%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,000
+52%
Chicago, IL
$93,290
+34%
Houston, TX
$78,840
+13%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,920
+13%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Urban Planner Salary in Rapid City, SD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a urban planner in Rapid City, SD is $69,623 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 urban planner professionals in Rapid City can expect to earn around $42,452 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level urban planners earning approximately $97,641 per year. This represents a 130% 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 $81,640, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a urban planner's salary in Rapid City typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 24.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Urban Planners are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% 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.