Pierre vs Rapid City: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor 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 | $70,633 | $79,909▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.96 | $38.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,967 | $62,213▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,050 | $75,347▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,411 | $106,545▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,482 | $137,979▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $9,276 (13.13%). Rapid City's median is -1.36% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $68,515,Rapid City spans $75,766. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced chiropractors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($89,624 effective) pays 17.75% more than Pierre ($76,113 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 ($79,909/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,979)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,624)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Pierre grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -14.6% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$62,774 (2024) → $69,052 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$91,450 (2019) → $78,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Pierre or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Rapid City as a chiropractor?
What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Pierre vs Rapid City?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.29% 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 Maria Gonzalez, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov