Rapid City vs Sioux Falls: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Rapid City, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,429 | $96,912▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.36 | $46.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,899 | $77,110▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,189 | $88,055▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,731 | $99,567▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,411 | $104,804▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Sioux Falls is $483 (0.50%). Sioux Falls's median is -5.86% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $28,512,Sioux Falls spans $27,694. Rapid City 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 ($108,153 effective) pays 1.14% more than Sioux Falls ($106,930 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,153)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,912/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,804)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Rapid City grew 2.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$89,980 (2020) → $91,890 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$75,260 (2020) → $92,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Rapid City or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Sioux Falls as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Rapid City vs Sioux Falls?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov