Pierre vs Rapid City: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $125,102 | $142,908▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.14 | $68.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,829 | $106,117▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $121,652 | $135,984▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,712 | $158,101▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,423 | $164,517▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $17,806 (14.23%). Rapid City's median is -0.40% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $59,594,Rapid City spans $58,400. 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 ($160,283 effective) pays 18.90% more than Pierre ($134,808 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,908/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,517)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,283)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Pierre grew 10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.8% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$111,599 (2024) → $122,854 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$136,530 (2019) → $140,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov