Rapid City vs Sioux Falls: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $233,648 | $256,225▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $112.33 | $123.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $152,976 | $204,298▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $202,152 | $204,298▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $292,675▲ | $283,493 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $336,867 | $381,497▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rapid City.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Sioux Falls is $22,577 (9.66%). Sioux Falls's median is +2.95% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $183,891,Sioux Falls spans $177,199. 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, Sioux Falls ($282,712 effective) pays 12.29% more than Rapid City ($251,776 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($256,225/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($381,497)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $282,712)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Rapid City grew 13.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$195,550 (2021) → $222,099 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$190,460 (2019) → $243,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists 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 nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Rapid City vs Sioux Falls?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov