Huron vs Rapid City: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Huron, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huron, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,571 | $102,938▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.58 | $49.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,023 | $74,756▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,644 | $86,096▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,118 | $118,209▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,834▲ | $128,729 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huron.
The salary gap between Huron and Rapid City is $14,367 (16.22%). Rapid City's median is -0.54% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huron spans $68,811,Rapid City spans $53,973. Huron 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 ($115,453 effective) pays 20.97% more than Huron ($95,443 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huron if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,834)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,938/year)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,453)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Huron grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.2% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Huron, SD
$70,177 (2024) → $86,301 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$73,640 (2019) → $100,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov