Pierre vs Rapid City: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $41,815 | $42,712▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.10 | $20.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,444 | $37,989▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,376 | $37,989▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,441 | $47,268▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,033▲ | $50,302 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $897 (2.15%). Rapid City's median is -10.94% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $18,589,Rapid City spans $12,313. 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 ($47,905 effective) pays 6.32% more than Pierre ($45,059 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,033)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,712/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,905)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Pierre grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$33,131 (2024) → $39,835 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$32,730 (2019) → $40,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov