Rapid City vs Spearfish: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Rapid City, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $233,648▲ | $221,466 |
| Hourly Rate | $112.33▲ | $106.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $152,976▲ | $146,716 |
| 25th Percentile | $202,152 | $205,856▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $292,675▲ | $263,811 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $336,867▲ | $291,818 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $12,182 (5.50%). Rapid City's median is -6.13% 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,Spearfish spans $145,102. 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 ($251,776 effective) pays 5.50% more than Spearfish ($238,649 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($233,648/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($336,867)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $251,776)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓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 8.5% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$195,550 (2021) → $222,099 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$193,977 (2024) → $210,519 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Rapid City or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Spearfish as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Rapid City vs Spearfish?
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